A commercial bus driver in Lagos set himself and a Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) official on fire on Tuesday while trying to avoid arrest.
The incident, which caused significant traffic disruption on the Oshodi-Apapa expressway, was confirmed by Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, in a statement.
Taofiq explained that both the driver, his conductor, and the LASTMA officer suffered serious burns during the altercation. The injured official was promptly taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment. Taofiq also urged commercial drivers in the state to adhere to Lagos’ transport laws.
The incident unfolded on November 5, 2024, when the driver of a Volkswagen T4 bus, with the license plate LSD 355 CK, resisted arrest by LASTMA officers in the Cele inward Mile 2 area. According to Taofiq, the vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation, but the driver and conductor reacted aggressively. They allegedly poured petrol on the officers and engaged in violent confrontations to avoid being detained.
LASTMA assured the public that the injured officer was receiving immediate medical attention. The agency also reiterated its commitment to maintaining order on Lagos roads in accordance with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.
LASTMA urged all drivers, especially commercial ones, to comply with traffic laws and respect traffic officers. The agency made it clear that any form of violence or resistance against its personnel would not be tolerated, and perpetrators would face severe consequences.
