A commercial bus driver, whose identity remains unknown, reportedly set himself, his vehicle, and a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority officer on fire in Lagos.
The incident is said to have occurred as the driver tried to evade arrest after allegedly committing a traffic violation.
The LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, confirmed the event, which unfolded on the morning of Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Bakare-Oki explained that the incident involved a Volkswagen T4 bus with the license plate number LSD 355 CK. The bus was intercepted in the Cele inward Mile-2 area, where it had allegedly breached traffic regulations.
“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,” Bakare-Oki explained.
The driver’s response to LASTMA’s attempt to enforce traffic laws took a violent turn. Alongside his bus conductor, the driver reportedly erupted in an aggressive confrontation with LASTMA officials, pouring petrol on both the officer and the vehicle.
This act escalated quickly into a struggle, ultimately resulting in the horrifying scene where both the officer and vehicle were set on fire.
The LASTMA officer suffered severe burns from the incident and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency medical care, Bakare-Oki reported.
Reaffirming LASTMA’s commitment to maintaining order and road safety, as outlined in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018, Bakare-Oki condemned the violent response by the driver.
He urged drivers to strictly follow traffic rules and respect the authority of LASTMA officials.
“LASTMA will not condone any form of violence or intimidation and will take firm and decisive action against those responsible,” Bakare-Oki vowed, stressing that adherence to regulations is essential for the safety of all road users.
