Driver sets bus, LASTMA officer ablaze to escape arrest

A personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) was set ablaze while trying to arrest a commercial bus driver in Lagos.

LASTMA confirmed the incident on Tuesday in a statement signed by the agency’s Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq.

The statement says the driver and his conductor had set fire to the officials and their own vehicles to evade arrest. The incident involving a Volkswagen T4 bus with the number plate ‘LSD 355 CK,’ occurred at the Cele area, en route to Mile 2 in Lagos.

The officers were about to carry out the arrest over traffic violations when the incident happened, with one officer seriously burnt and needing medical attention.

*An image of the burns sustained by the officer on his hand. (Adebayo Taofiq.)*

“The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has been made aware of a distressing video showing the driver of a Volkswagen T4 commercial bus, license plate LSD 355 CK, setting both his vehicle and LASTMA officers ablaze in a brazen attempt to evade arrest.

“This shocking event transpired today, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, when the driver resisted arrest with extreme aggression by LASTMA officials.

“In the course of arrest, the driver and his conductor erupted into a frenzy, resorting to pouring petrol on LASTMA personnel and engaging in hostile confrontations and physical attacks against officers present,” the statement read.

LASTMA insists that it will not tolreate any violations to road traffic regulations, warning commercial bus drivers of severe punishment if they are found wanting.