LASTMA officer brutally stabbed by defiant bus driver at Ojota

Stanley Ihedigbo

Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has strongly condemned a brutal assault on one of its officers over the weekend at the Ojota Interchange, highlighting the rising dangers faced by traffic enforcement personnel on Lagos roads.

According to the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, the incident involved a painted Volkswagen Caravelle GL commercial bus, registration EKY 693 YK, intercepted for a severe traffic violation.

“Reports indicate that the bus operated along the Ojota–Ketu corridor with its passenger door left dangerously ajar while fully loaded, creating a significant risk to both commuters and other road users.

“When officers lawfully attempted to intercept the bus, the driver resisted violently. In a desperate bid to escape, he mounted the median, only for the vehicle to become immobilised. Frustrated, the driver turned aggressive, seizing a broken bottle from within the bus and viciously stabbing a LASTMA officer in the fingers of his right hand.

“The assault caused severe fractures and substantial blood loss, necessitating emergency surgical intervention. Two of the officer’s fingers required immediate reconstruction, and he remains under medical observation,” he explained.

The agency spokesman further explained that despite fleeing the scene, the offending vehicle was promptly impounded in line with statutory provisions.

Authorities have assured that the incident is under thorough investigation, and measures are underway to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrator.

Speaking on the incident, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, expressed outrage over the attack, calling it an affront to lawful authority and civil order.

He reiterated that the agency will intensify enforcement operations to safeguard public safety and ensure regulatory compliance among commercial transport operators.

“Acts of lawlessness and violent resistance will invariably attract a firm and uncompromising lawful response,” Mr. Bakare-Oki said, emphasizing the agency’s unwavering commitment to traffic discipline and the protection of its personnel.

This disturbing event underscores the risks faced by traffic enforcement officers and the urgent need for compliance with road safety regulations. LASTMA has urged all commercial operators to strictly adhere to traffic laws, warning that defiance will no longer be tolerated.

As Lagos continued to grow and traffic congestion rises, the safety of both commuters and enforcement officers remains paramount.

The authority’s message is clear: lawlessness on the roads will meet firm, lawful resistance, and attacks on personnel enforcing order will not go unpunished.