DRIVER ATTACKS LASTMA OFFICER WITH BROKEN BOTTLE, MANHUNT UNDERWAY
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has said it is working with the police to apprehend a commercial bus driver who allegedly stabbed one of its officers with a broken bottle in the Ojota area of the state.
The LASTMA Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the incident occurred over the weekend after the driver was stopped for a traffic violation along the Ojota–Ketu corridor.
Taofiq said the violent encounter involved a painted Caravelle GL Volkswagen commercial bus with registration number EKY 693 YK.
According to the statement, the vehicle was intercepted for allegedly breaching traffic regulations by operating with its passenger door open while fully loaded with commuters.
He said the driver allegedly resisted arrest and tried to escape by mounting the median.
“The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) strongly condemns the violent and deliberate attack on one of its officers by a defiant commercial bus driver at the Ojota Interchange in Lagos.
“The vehicle was lawfully stopped for a blatant violation of traffic regulations, operating along the Ojota–Ketu corridor with its passenger door recklessly left open while fully loaded with commuters—an offence that posed serious danger to both passengers and other road users,” the statement added.
“Upon being stopped on the main carriageway, the driver allegedly acted with blatant defiance, fiercely resisting lawful arrest and attempting a dangerous escape by mounting the median in a bid to flee. His flight was abruptly halted when the vehicle became mechanically immobilised,” the statement said.
It added that the suspect then attacked the officers after his escape attempt failed.
“In a shocking act of violence, he grabbed a jagged broken bottle from inside the bus and lunged at the enforcement officers, stabbing one officer in the fingers of his right hand.
“The brutal assault caused severe fractures and significant blood loss before the assailant fled the scene,” the statement added.
The agency said it promptly impounded the vehicle, while the injured officer was rushed to a medical facility for treatment.
“Despite the suspect’s escape, the offending vehicle was immediately impounded in accordance with statutory regulations. The injured officer was quickly taken to a medical facility for emergency surgical care.
“Given the severity of the fractures, two fingers required immediate reconstructive surgery. He remains under close medical supervision and continues to receive comprehensive treatment,” the statement added.
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Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned the attack and pledged that the suspect would be brought to justice.
Through Adebayo Taofiq, he emphasised that violence against traffic officials would not be tolerated.
“This incident is under thorough investigation by the police, and prosecutorial actions are underway to ensure the perpetrator is apprehended and diligently prosecuted.
“Any act of violence against traffic enforcement personnel is a direct challenge to lawful authority and civil order,” he stated.
Bakare-Oki also warned commercial transport operators against breaching traffic regulations, noting that the agency would intensify enforcement across the state.
This is not the first time drivers have attacked LASTMA officials during enforcement operations. In November 2024, The Media reported that a LASTMA officer sustained serious injuries when the driver of a commercial Volkswagen T4 bus allegedly set both his vehicle and the officer on fire while attempting to evade arrest.
According to LASTMA, the incident took place in the Cele area, heading inward toward Mile 2, after officers stopped the bus for breaching traffic regulations.
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