The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has condemned the “heinous and premeditated assault” on one of its officers by a commercial bus driver at Ojota Interchange in Lagos.
The statement by the authority was signed by Adebayo Taofiq, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA.
According to the agency, the incident occurred over the weekend and involved a painted Caravelle GL Volkswagen commercial bus with registration number EKY 693 YK.
The vehicle was reportedly intercepted for violating traffic regulations along the Ojota–Ketu corridor. Authorities stated that the bus was operated with its passenger door left ajar while fully laden with commuters, describing the action as “an egregious infraction that gravely endangered passengers and other road users alike.”
LASTMA explained that upon interception on the main carriageway, the driver allegedly responded with “brazen insubordination,” resisting lawful arrest and attempting to flee the scene.
The agency said the driver mounted the median in what it termed “a desperate bid to abscond,” but the attempt was unsuccessful after the vehicle became mechanically immobilised.
Following the failed escape attempt, the situation reportedly escalated into violence.
The agency stated that the suspect “descended into unrestrained violence” and allegedly seized a broken bottle from inside the bus. In what officials described as “a shocking display of brutality,” the driver allegedly lunged at enforcement officers and stabbed one of them in the fingers of his right hand.
The attack, according to LASTMA, resulted in “severe fractures and significant blood loss” before the suspect fled the scene. Despite the driver’s escape, the offending vehicle was immediately impounded in accordance with statutory provisions.
The injured officer was promptly evacuated to a medical facility where he underwent emergency surgical intervention.
LASTMA disclosed that due to the severity of the fractures sustained, “two fingers required immediate operative reconstruction.” The officer 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 matter is currently under thorough investigation by the Police, adding that prosecutorial measures are underway to ensure the apprehension and diligent prosecution of the suspect.
Mr. Bakare-Oki stressed that “any act of violence against traffic enforcement personnel constitutes a direct affront to lawful authority and civil order.”
He further admonished commercial transport operators to desist from reckless noncompliance with traffic laws.
He warned that LASTMA would continue to intensify enforcement operations to safeguard public safety and uphold regulatory discipline across Lagos State.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment, he stated that LASTMA remains steadfast in its statutory mandate to entrench orderliness, discipline and the seamless flow of traffic throughout the metropolis.
He added that “acts of lawlessness and violent resistance will invariably attract a firm and uncompromising lawful response.”
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