A traffic officer with the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has been hospitalised after he was stabbed with a broken bottle by a commercial bus driver,at Ojota Interchange, Lagos.
The incident occurred over the weekend ,along the busy Ojota–Ketu corridor, when enforcement officers intercepted a painted Caravelle GL Volkswagen commercial bus with registration number: EKY 693 YK, for allegedly violating traffic regulations.
According to statement by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, the vehicle was stopped for operating with its passenger door left open while fully loaded with commuters, an action described as dangerous and capable of endangering passengers and other road users lives.
Taofiq said the driver resisted arrest and attempted to flee the scene by mounting the road median in a bid to escape.
However, the vehicle reportedly became immobilised, thwarting the escape attempt.
In the ensuing confrontation, the driver allegedly turned violent, grabbed a broken bottle from inside the bus and attacked the enforcement officers.
“One officer was stabbed in the fingers of his right hand during the scuffle, sustaining severe fractures and significant blood loss.
“The suspect fled immediately after the attack.
The injured officer was rushed to a medical facility where he underwent emergency surgery.
“The statement stated that the victim’s two of fingers required surgical reconstruction due to the severity of the injuries.
“The impounded vehicle has been taken into custody in line with statutory regulations.”
Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned the attack, describing it as a serious assault on lawful authority and civil order.
He disclosed that the matter has been reported to the police and that efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspect for prosecution.
Bakare-Oki urged commercial transport operators to comply with traffic laws and warned that the agency would intensify enforcement operations to ensure public safety across Lagos State.
He reiterated the agency’s commitment to maintaining discipline, orderliness and seamless traffic flow, stressing that acts of violence against enforcement personnel would attract firm legal consequences.
