A commercial bus driver and his conductor on Tuesday allegedly poured petrol on a personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and set him ablaze.
It was gathered that the driver known for frequently driving against traffic was stopped by a LASTMA Patrol Team around 9:55a.m. for picking up and dropping off passengers at an unauthorised spot near Ilasa, inward Mile 2 area of Lagos.
In the course of arrest, the driver and conductor, with the aid of nearby hoodlums, attacked the LASTMA officer, pouring petrol on him and setting him ablaze, leading to the officer sustaining burn injuries.
Confirming the incident, LASTMA’s spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, said the injured officer suffered severe injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.
Adebayo said, “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,”
While reiterating the agency’s unwavering commitment to preserving order and ensuring safety on Lagos roads, as stipulated in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018, he warned that LASTMA will not condone any form of violence against its personnel.
“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,” Adebayo added.