The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has condemned an attack on one of its officers who was allegedly stabbed by a commercial bus driver at Ojota Interchange, Lagos.

It was learnt that the incident happened over the weekend after officials flagged down a Caravelle GL Volkswagen bus with registration number EKY 693 YK for driving along the Ojota–Ketu corridor with its passenger door open while carrying commuters.

A statement issued by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Adebayo Taofiq, disclosed that the driver resisted arrest and attempted to flee by mounting the road median before the vehicle was forced to a halt.

Authorities said the suspect then grabbed a broken bottle from inside the bus and stabbed an officer in the fingers before escaping.

The statement said, “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) 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 in Lagos.

“The violent involved a painted Caravelle GL Volkswagen commercial bus EKY 693 YK. The vehicle was lawfully intercepted for a flagrant contravention of extant traffic regulations, having been operated along the Ojota–Ketu corridor with its passenger door recklessly left ajar while fully laden with commuters an egregious infraction that gravely endangered passengers and other road users alike.

“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 added that the suspect then turned violent, grabbed a broken bottle from inside the bus and attacked enforcement officers, stabbing one of them in the fingers.

“Upon interception on the main carriageway, the driver responded with brazen insubordination, strenuously resisting lawful arrest and attempting a hazardous escape by mounting the median in a desperate bid to abscond. His attempted flight was, however, abruptly curtailed when the vehicle became mechanically immobilised. 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. The vicious attack resulted in severe fractures and significant blood loss before the assailant fled the scene in a cowardly retreat.

“LASTMA added that the injured officer sustained severe fractures and significant blood loss and was rushed to a medical facility, where he underwent emergency surgery. Two fingers required operative reconstruction, and he remains under close medical observation.

“Notwithstanding his escape, the offending vehicle was immediately impounded in strict compliance with statutory provisions. 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 General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said investigations were ongoing to ensure the suspect is apprehended and prosecuted.

“The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan 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.

“He described violence against traffic personnel as a direct affront to lawful authority and civil order, warning commercial drivers against violating traffic laws and stressing that offenders would face strict 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, warning that the Authority will continue to intensify enforcement operations to safeguard public safety and uphold regulatory discipline 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.”

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