The Lagos State Transport Management Authority has condemned the attack on one of its staff members who was allegedly stabbed by a commercial bus driver at Ojota Interchange in Lagos.
The incident reportedly occurred over the weekend after authorities intercepted a livery Volkswagen bus, Caravelle GL, with registration number EKY 693 YK, as it was traveling with its passenger door open on the Ohota-Ketu corridor carrying commuters.
According to a statement issued by the agency’s Public Relations Director, Adebayo Taofik, and shared with X on Sunday, the driver resisted arrest and attempted to escape by climbing onto the median strip before the vehicle was forced to stop.
Authorities said the suspect grabbed a broken bottle from inside the bus, stabbed the officer in the finger and fled.
“The Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) has issued its strongest condemnation of the heinous and premeditated assault committed by a defiant commercial bus driver on one of its staff members at the Ojota Interchange in Lagos last weekend,” the statement said.
“The violent incident involved a livery Caravelle GL Volkswagen commercial bus EKY 693 YK. The vehicle was lawfully intercepted in a serious violation of current traffic regulations. The vehicle was operating along the Ojota-Ketu corridor with the passenger door recklessly ajar while fully loaded with commuters, a serious violation that put passengers and other road users alike at serious risk.”
“The driver reportedly resisted arrest and attempted to flee by riding onto the median of the road, but the attempt was interrupted when the vehicle was forced to stop.
“The statement added that the suspects then turned violent, grabbed broken bottles from inside the bus, attacked the enforcement officers and stabbed one of them in the finger.
“The driver responded to the obstruction on the main roadway with brazen disobedience, violently resisting lawful arrest, and attempted a dangerous getaway by riding across the median in a desperate attempt to escape. However, his escape attempt was abruptly halted when the vehicle became mechanically immobilized. Frustrated by the collapse of his escape plan, the suspect engaged in endless acts of violence.”
“In a shocking act of brutality, he grabbed a jagged broken bottle from inside the bus, lunged menacingly at the enforcement officers and stabbed one officer with the fingers of his right hand. This vicious attack left him with severe fractures and significant blood loss before his assailant fled the scene in a cowardly retreat.”
“LASTMA added that the injured police officer sustained severe fractures and significant blood loss and was taken to a medical facility where he underwent emergency surgery. Two fingers required surgical reconstruction and he remains under close medical observation.”
“Despite the escape, the offending vehicle was immediately impounded in strict compliance with the law. The injured police officer was immediately evacuated to a medical facility where he underwent emergency surgical treatment. Due to the severity of the fractures sustained, two fingers required immediate surgical reconstruction. He remains under close medical observation and is receiving comprehensive treatment.”
General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare Oki, condemned the attack and said investigations were underway to ensure the arrest and prosecution of the suspects.
“The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare Oki, has expressed his deep anger and unequivocal condemnation of this reprehensible act.
“He assured that this incident is being thoroughly investigated by the police and that prosecutorial steps are underway to ensure the arrest and diligent prosecution of the perpetrators.
“He said that violence against traffic personnel is a direct affront to legal authority and civil order, and warned commercial drivers to violate traffic laws, stressing that violators will face severe legal penalties.
“Mr Bakare Oki reiterated that any act of violence against traffic enforcement officers constitutes a direct affront to legal authority and civil order.
“He advised private transport operators to desist from reckless violation of traffic laws and regulations, warning that the authorities would continue to intensify enforcement efforts to protect public safety and uphold regulatory discipline across Lagos State.
“Our agency remains steadfast in its legal obligation to ensure order, discipline and seamless traffic flow throughout our metropolis. Illegal acts and acts of violent resistance always require a firm and uncompromising legal response.”