An officer of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) was on Saturday stabbed with a broken bottle by a commercial bus driver at Ojota Interchange, Lagos.
The incident, which occurred at the Ojota Interchange, involved a painted Caravelle GL Volkswagen commercial bus with registration number EKY 693 YK.5
According to the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment of LASTMA, Taofiq Adebayo, the vehicle was lawfully intercepted for operating with its passenger door left recklessly opened while fully loaded with commuters – an infraction that posed grave danger to passengers and other road users.
“Our officer was simply carrying out his lawful duty to protect lives,” Adebayo said. “The vehicle was stopped because it was being driven with its passenger door wide open while in motion. That kind of recklessness could easily result in passengers falling off or being crushed by other vehicles.”
Adebayo explained that the situation escalated when the driver allegedly resisted arrest and attempted to flee.“Instead of complying, the driver became violently insubordinate.
“He mounted the median in a desperate attempt to escape. It was a dangerous manoeuvre that could have led to multiple casualties, but fortunately, the vehicle became mechanically immobilised,” he stated.
Frustrated by his failed escape attempt, the suspect allegedly resorted to violence.“In a shocking and barbaric twist, the driver grabbed a jagged broken bottle from inside the bus and lunged at our personnel. One of our officers was stabbed in the fingers of his right hand. It was a brutal attack,” Adebayo said.
The injured officer reportedly suffered severe fractures and significant blood loss before the assailant fled the scene.“The officer was immediately evacuated to a medical facility where he underwent emergency surgery.
“Due to the gravity of the fractures, two fingers required operative reconstruction. He is presently under close medical observation,” Adebayo disclosed.
Despite the suspect’s escape, LASTMA impounded the offending vehicle in accordance with traffic regulations.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned the attack, describing it as an affront to lawful authority and public order.
Adebayo conveyed the General Manager’s position:“The General Manager views this act as a direct assault on constituted authority. Violence against traffic enforcement officers will not be tolerated under any circumstance.”
He added that the matter has been reported to the police and efforts are underway to apprehend and prosecute the fleeing driver.
“This case is under thorough investigation by the police. We are confident that the perpetrator will be apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law,” he said.
Adebayo also warned commercial transport operators against reckless noncompliance with traffic laws.
“We urge all commercial drivers to understand that traffic regulations are not punitive; they are designed to protect lives. LASTMA will continue to intensify enforcement operations across Lagos. Acts of lawlessness and violent resistance will always attract firm and uncompromising lawful response.”
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining order and ensuring seamless traffic flow across the state.“Our mandate remains clear – to entrench discipline, orderliness and safety on our roads. We will not be deterred by intimidation or violence.”
