An officer of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, narrowly escaped death on Saturday, when am irate commercial driver allegedly stabbed him over traffic violation at Ojota Interchange in Lagos.
The unfortunate incident involved a painted Caravelle GL Volkswagen commercial bus EKY 693 YK, along Ikorodu Road.
General Manager, LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, who expressed concern over the incident, said the Police , in collaboration with the agency have launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspect to face justice.
According to Bakare-Oki, the vehicle was lawfully intercepted for a flagrant contravention of extant traffic regulations by LASTMA officers, having operated along the Ojota–Ketu corridor with its passenger door recklessly left ajar, with fully loaded commuters, an infraction that poses grave danger to lives of passengers and other road users.
LASTMA boss stated, “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 failed 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 in an attempt to disarm the irate driver.
“The vicious attack resulted in severe fractures and significant blood loss before the assailant fled the scene in a cowardly retreat.
‘Notwithstanding his escape, the vehicle was immediately impounded in strict compliance with statutory provisions.”
Immediately, the injured officer was promptly rushed to a medical facility where he was administered 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,” Bakare-Oki stated.
Meanwhile, the LASTMA boss strongly condemned what it termed, “the reprehensible act.”
Bakare-Oki said thorough investigation has commenced by the Police and prosecutorial measures are underway to ensure the apprehension and diligent prosecution of the perpetrator.
He reiterated that any act of violence against traffic enforcement personnel constitutes a direct affront to lawful authority and civil order with dire consequences.
Bakare-Oki, therefore, warned commercial transport operators to desist from reckless non-compliance with traffic laws, saying 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,” LASTMA affirmed.
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