The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has expressed outrage over a violent assault on one of its personnel, allegedly stabbed by a commercial driver at Ojota Interchange during the weekend.
The incident occurred after officials stopped a painted Caravelle GL Volkswagen bus, registration number EKY 693 YK, for operating along the Ojota–Ketu route with its passenger door wide open whilst transporting passengers.
In a statement released on Sunday by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Adebayo Taofiq, via X, authorities revealed that the driver refused arrest and tried escaping by driving onto the road median before his vehicle stalled.
The suspect allegedly retrieved a broken bottle from the bus and used it to stab an officer’s fingers before fleeing the scene.
“The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority over the weekend registers its strongest condemnation of a heinous and premeditated assault perpetrated against one of its officers by a defiant commercial bus driver at Ojota Interchange,” the statement read.
According to the agency, the bus was legally intercepted for flagrantly violating traffic regulations by travelling with its door open whilst carrying commuters, a serious breach that put passengers and motorists at risk.
“The driver reportedly resisted arrest and attempted to flee by mounting the road median, but the escape was cut short when the vehicle was forced to stop,” the statement noted.
When stopped on the main road, the driver displayed brazen defiance, forcefully resisting lawful arrest and attempting a dangerous getaway by climbing onto the median.
“Frustrated by the collapse of his escape plan, the suspect descended into unrestrained violence.
“In a shocking display of brutality, he seized a jagged broken bottle from within the bus and lunged menacingly at the enforcement officers, stabbing one officer in the fingers of his right hand,” LASTMA disclosed.
The attack caused severe fractures and substantial blood loss before the assailant abandoned the scene.
LASTMA stated that the wounded officer was immediately rushed to hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery.
“The injured officer was promptly evacuated to a medical facility, where he underwent emergency surgical intervention. Due to the gravity of the fractures sustained, two fingers required immediate operative reconstruction. He remains under close medical observation and is receiving comprehensive care,” the agency said.
Despite the suspect’s escape, the bus was immediately impounded in accordance with legal provisions.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, strongly condemned the attack and confirmed that investigations were underway to track down and prosecute the suspect.
“Mr Bakare-Oki expressed profound outrage and unequivocal condemnation of the reprehensible act. He affirmed that the incident is being thoroughly investigated by the Police and prosecutorial measures are underway to ensure the apprehension and diligent prosecution of the perpetrator,” the statement read.
He characterised violence against traffic officials as a direct assault on lawful authority and public order, warning commercial drivers against flouting traffic regulations and emphasising that violators would face severe legal consequences.
“Mr Bakare-Oki reiterated that any act of violence against traffic enforcement personnel constitutes a direct affront to lawful authority and civil order. He admonished commercial transport operators to desist from reckless noncompliance with traffic laws,” the statement added.
He warned that the authority would continue to strengthen enforcement activities to protect public safety and maintain regulatory standards across Lagos State.
“The Agency remains steadfast in its statutory mandate to entrench orderliness, discipline and the seamless flow of traffic throughout the metropolis.
“Acts of lawlessness and violent resistance will invariably attract a firm and uncompromising lawful response,” LASTMA declared.