A commercial driver flees immediately after setting a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officer on fire in the Mile 2 area of Lagos on Tuesday.
According to LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq, the driver was stopped for violating traffic regulations but resisted arrest, spraying petrol on the officers and his vehicle, and then setting it ablaze.
He said, “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority 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.
“The vehicle was intercepted for violating traffic regulations in the Cele inward Mile 2 area.
“In the course of the 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 officer sustained severe burns and was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
LASTMA has vowed to bring the driver and his assistant to justice, emphasizing that violence and intimidation will not be tolerated.
“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,” he added.
