LASTMA vows to apprehend driver for setting personnel ablaze
By Samuel Omotere
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority is set to hunt a yet-to-be-identified commercial driver, who allegedly set their personnel and his vehicle on fire on Tuesday morning after he was arrested for his frequent misconduct on the highway in the Cele inward Mile 2 Area.
It was gathered that the driver of the yellow Volkswagen T4 bus, with the registration number, LSD 355 C, and his conductor attacked the personnel while discharging his duty on the state road, in order to resist arrest and accountability.
The LASTMA spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq revealed in a statement made available to our correspondent that the driver and his conductor intimidated the LASTMA men on patrol by bathing them with petrol and physical threats. He stated that the agency personnel sustained injuries during the offender’s confrontation.
“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.
“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.”
Taofiq further said in a phone interview that the agency was unable to apprehend the culprit due to the injured traffic warden whose health required medical attention.
He also vowed that the culprit would be tracked and arrested for an attempted murder of a traffic officer who was making efforts to enforce order on the highway.
“At that point, we had to resort to safety first. That was why we quickly took our men to the nearest hospital for medical attention. In as much as we have the registration number of the vehicle, we will really get them to face the wrath of the law,” Taofiq said.
The spokesperson also reiterated the agency’s commitment in ensuring safety in the state’s road and urged drivers to be law abiding. He also warned them against intimidation, assault and disrespect of the LASTMA personnel, as it will not be tolerated.
