The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) over the weekend registers its strongest condemnation of a heinous and premeditated assault perpetrated against one of its officers by a defiant commercial bus driver at Ojota Interchange in Lagos.
The violent involved a painted Caravelle GL Volkswagen commercial bus EKY 693 YK. The vehicle was lawfully intercepted for a flagrant contravention of extant traffic regulations, having been operated along the OjotaāKetu corridor with its passenger door recklessly left ajar while fully laden with commuters an egregious infraction that gravely endangered passengers and other road users alike.
Upon interception on the main carriageway, the driver responded with brazen insubordination, strenuously resisting lawful arrest and attempting a hazardous escape by mounting the median in a desperate bid to abscond. His attempted flight was, however, abruptly curtailed when the vehicle became mechanically immobilised. Frustrated by the collapse of his escape plan, the suspect descended into unrestrained violence.
In a shocking display of brutality, he seized a jagged broken bottle from within the bus and lunged menacingly at the enforcement officers, stabbing one officer in the fingers of his right hand. The vicious attack resulted in severe fractures and significant blood loss before the assailant fled the scene in a cowardly retreat.
Notwithstanding his escape, the offending vehicle was immediately impounded in strict compliance with statutory provisions. The injured officer was promptly evacuated to a medical facility, where he underwent emergency surgical intervention. Due to the gravity of the fractures sustained, two fingers required immediate operative reconstruction. He remains under close medical observation and is receiving comprehensive care.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki expressed profound outrage and unequivocal condemnation of the reprehensible act.
He affirmed that the incident is being thoroughly investigated by the Police and prosecutorial measures are underway to ensure the apprehension and diligent prosecution of the perpetrator.
Mr. Bakare-Oki reiterated that any act of violence against traffic enforcement personnel constitutes a direct affront to lawful authority and civil order.
He admonished commercial transport operators to desist from reckless noncompliance with traffic laws, warning that the Authority will continue to intensify enforcement operations to safeguard public safety and uphold regulatory discipline across Lagos State.
The Agency remains steadfast in its statutory mandate to entrench orderliness, discipline and the seamless flow of traffic throughout the metropolis. Acts of lawlessness and violent resistance will invariably attract a firm and uncompromising lawful response.
