Commercial Bus Driver Resists Arrest, Set Self, LASTMA Official Ablaze In Lagos

A commercial bus driver on Tuesday set himself and an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) on fire while trying to evade arrest.

Naija News reports that the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed the incident in a statement noting that it created heavy traffic on the Oshodi-Apapa expressway.

He said both the driver, his conductor as well as the LASTMA official sustained severe burns in the process.

He noted that the injured official was rushed to an undisclosed hospital for treatment and warned the state commercial drivers to follow the Lagos state law on transport reforms.

Taofiq said, “LASMA management is aware of a distressing video showing the driver of a Volkswagen T4 commercial bus, with the number plate LSD 355 CK, setting both his vehicle and LASTMA officers ablaze in a brazen attempt to evade arrest.

“The shocking event transpired today, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, when the driver resisted arrest with extreme aggression by LASTMA officials. 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.

“LASTMA reiterates its unwavering commitment to preserving order and ensuring the safety of Lagos roads, as stipulated in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.

“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.”