CITIZENS COMPASS – A commercial driver yesterday, splashed Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol on a personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and thereafter set him ablaze.
The incident occurred at Cele Expressway inward Mile 2 when the commercial driver was flagged down by some LASTMA personnel on duty for violating Traffic Rule.
According to eyewitnesses’ accounts, the driver and conductor on noticing that the vehicle would likely be impounded, went berserk and one of them brought a gallon of petrol from his bus and splased it on the personnel, but all were quick to notice the danger ahead, rushed into their operational vehicle and escaped the scene but one of them was not so lucky to go up with the operational vehicle and was set ablaze with the bus.
Some hoodlums were said to have worsen the situation by supporting the driver to perpetrated the evil.
Some videos of the attack trending on social media captured the moment as the LASTMA personnel was seen running trying to pull off his uniform as he was on fire.
People were seen scampering for safety.
Another video captured the personnel receiving medical attention.
In a statement, LASTMA spokesperson, Adebayo Taofik, has reacted to the attack.
“The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has been made aware of a distressing video showing the driver of a Volkswagen T4 commercial bus, license plate LSD 355 CK, setting both his vehicle and LASTMA officers ablaze in a brazen attempt to evade arrest.
“This shocking event transpired today, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, when the driver resisted arrest with extreme aggression by LASTMA officials.
“The vehicle had been intercepted for violating traffic regulations in the Cele inward Mile 2 area.
“In the course of arrest, the driver and his conductor erupted into a frenzy, resorting to pouring petrol on LASTMA personnel and engaging in hostile confrontations and physical attacks against officers present.
“The injured LASTMA officer, who sustained severe burns, was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.
“LASTMA reiterates its unwavering commitment to preserving order and ensuring the safety of Lagos roads, as stipulated in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.
“The agency strongly urges all commercial and other drivers to comply fully with traffic regulations and respect the authority of LASTMA personnel. LASTMA will not condone any form of violence or intimidation and will take firm and decisive action against those responsible.”
