Driver and Conductor Set LASTMA Officer on Fire During Attempted Arrest in Lagos

Taofiq Adebayo, the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department at LASTMA, confirmed the incident in a statement released to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.He explained that LASTMA became aware of a disturbing video showing a driver of a Volkswagen T4 commercial bus, with the license plate LSD 355 CK, setting both his vehicle and a LASTMA officer on fire in an extreme attempt to escape arrest.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 5, when the driver aggressively resisted arrest by LASTMA officers after his vehicle was stopped for violating traffic rules in the Cele area, heading towards Mile 2.Adebayo went on to explain that during the confrontation, the driver and his conductor became violent, pouring petrol on the LASTMA officer and physically attacking the officers present.The LASTMA officer, who suffered severe burns, was quickly rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.

Adebayo emphasized that LASTMA remains committed to ensuring order on Lagos roads and upholding safety standards, as outlined in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018. He also urged commercial drivers and others to follow traffic rules and respect the authority of LASTMA officers.He further stressed that LASTMA will not tolerate any acts of violence or intimidation and will take strict action against those responsible for such behavior.