Frustrated Lagos Driver Sets Self, LASTMA Officer, Bus Ablaze Over Traffic Offense

On Tuesday morning, a commercial bus driver in Lagos reportedly set himself, his vehicle, and an officer of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on fire in an attempt to evade arrest over a traffic violation.

The driver, whose identity has not yet been confirmed, allegedly resorted to this extreme measure after being flagged down by LASTMA officials for breaching traffic regulations.

The incident in the Cele inward Mile-2 area has stirred attention online as video footage circulates, capturing the scene. The driver was said to be operating a Volkswagen T4 commercial bus with the license plate LSD 355 CK.

According to LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki, who confirmed the incident, the driver and his conductor “erupted into a frenzy,” pouring petrol on both the LASTMA officers and themselves before igniting it in a bid to avoid arrest. He described the events as “disturbing and unprecedented.”

Witnesses reported the driver and his conductor acting erratically, verbally and physically attacking the traffic officials at the scene.

The resulting fire inflicted severe injuries on a LASTMA officer, who was promptly rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.

This unfortunate event highlights the risks that our officers face daily as they work to enforce traffic laws and ensure public safety on Lagos roads, Bakare-Oki stated.

Bakare-Oki issued a solid warning to motorists, urging compliance with traffic regulations and respect for law enforcement officers to prevent further incidents of aggression and noncompliance.

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Oluwasegun Sanusi

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