Chaos In Lagos: Driver Sets LASTMA Officer Ablaze During Traffic Stop

A commercial driver is currently on the run after allegedly setting a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officer on fire in the Mile 2 area of Lagos on Tuesday. LASTMA spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed the incident in a statement released to PUNCH Metro. According to Taofiq, the driver was…CONTINUE READING…

stopped by LASTMA officials for violating traffic rules but resisted arrest. In an attempt to flee, the driver reportedly poured petrol on the officers and his vehicle before setting the bus on fire and fleeing the scene.

Taofiq described the violent encounter, stating, “The driver of a Volkswagen T4 commercial bus with license plate LSD 355 CK, was intercepted for violating traffic regulations in the Cele area, near Mile 2. During the arrest, the driver and his conductor reacted violently, pouring petrol on LASTMA officers and setting the vehicle ablaze.”

The injured officer, who sustained severe burns, was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Taofiq further emphasized that both the driver and his assistant would face legal action for their violent behavior. “The agency remains committed to enforcing traffic laws and ensuring the safety of all road users in Lagos. LASTMA will not tolerate violence or intimidation and will take decisive action against offenders.”

This incident follows another violent altercation involving law enforcement, where soldiers attacked a policeman in October after being stopped for driving against traffic in the Ojo area, leading to the officer’s death.