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By Lawrence Agbo
An angry commercial driver stabbed a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) official on Saturday for a traffic violation at Ojota Interchange.
The regrettable event happened on Ikorodu Road involving a painted Caravelle GL Volkswagen commercial bus EKY 693 YK.
Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager, LASTMA, expressed worry about the event and stated that the police, working with the agency, have started a manhunt to bring the fugitive suspect to justice.
Bakare-Oki claims that LASTMA officers lawfully stopped the car for an egregious violation of current traffic laws.
The car was travelling down the Ojota–Ketu corridor with its passenger door carelessly left open while carrying commuters who were fully loaded, a violation that puts the lives of both passengers and other road users in grave danger.
The LASTMA boss said, “Upon interception on the main carriageway, the driver responded with brazen insubordination, strenuously resisting lawful arrest and attempting a hazardous escape by mounting the median in a desperate bid to abscond.”
“His attempted flight was, however, abruptly curtailed when the vehicle became mechanically immobilised.
“Frustrated by the failed escape plan, the suspect descended into unrestrained violence.
“In a shocking display of brutality, he seized a jagged, broken bottle from within the bus and lunged menacingly at the enforcement officers, stabbing one officer in the fingers of his right hand in an attempt to disarm the irate driver.
“The vicious attack resulted in severe fractures and significant blood loss before the assailant fled the scene in a cowardly retreat.
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‘Notwithstanding his escape, the vehicle was immediately impounded in strict compliance with statutory provisions.”
The injured cop received emergency surgical intervention after being swiftly transported to a medical facility.
“Due to the gravity of the fractures sustained, two fingers required immediate operative reconstruction.
“He remains under close medical observation and is receiving comprehensive care,” Bakare-Oki stated.
In the meantime, LASTMA boss strongly condemned what it called “the reprehensible act.”
According to Bakare-Oki, a comprehensive police investigation has begun, and prosecuting actions are being taken to guarantee the apprehension and prosecution.
He reaffirmed that any violent act directed towards law enforcement officers is a clear violation of civil order and legitimate authority, and it will have severe repercussions.
Bakare-Oki cautioned commercial transport operators against careless non-compliance with traffic laws, saying that “the authority will continue to intensify enforcement operations to safeguard public safety and uphold regulatory discipline across Lagos State.
“The Agency remains steadfast in its statutory mandate to entrench orderliness, discipline and the seamless flow of traffic throughout the metropolis.
“Acts of lawlessness and violent resistance will invariably attract a firm and uncompromising lawful response,” LASTMA affirmed.
