Emmanuel Clement
A commercial bus driver viciously stabbed a LASTMA officer with a broken bottle at Ojota Interchange, Lagos, after being intercepted for reckless driving.
The driver, operating a Caravelle GL Volkswagen bus EKY 693 YK,was lawfully intercepted for a flagrant contravention of extant traffic regulations,having been operated along the Ojota–Ketu corridor with its passenger door recklessly left ajar while fully laden with commuters an egregious infraction that gravely endangered passengers and other road users alike.
Investigator news reports that 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 collapse of his 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.
The vicious attack resulted in severe fractures and significant blood loss before the assailant fled the scene in a cowardly retreat.
The officer suffered severe finger fractures and underwent surgery. The vehicle was impounded, and police are investigating to catch the perpetrator.
Speaking with newsmen,LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned the attack, warning that violence against traffic officers won’t be tolerated.
He affirmed that the incident is being thoroughly investigated by the Police and prosecutorial measures are underway to ensure the apprehension and diligent prosecution of the perpetrator.
Mr. Bakare-Oki reiterated that any act of violence against traffic enforcement personnel constitutes a direct affront to lawful authority and civil order.
He admonished commercial transport operators to desist from reckless noncompliance with traffic laws, warning 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.”he said