A commercial driver in Lagos fled after severely injuring a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officer during a traffic enforcement incident in Mile 2 on Tuesday. According to LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq, the driver, who had been stopped for traffic violations, resisted arrest and escalated the confrontation by pouring petrol on the officers and setting both the vehicle and one officer on fire before escaping.
The injured officer, who sustained significant burns, was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment. The LASTMA spokesperson condemned the violent act and stressed that the driver and his accomplice would be brought to justice. He reiterated that LASTMA remains dedicated to enforcing traffic regulations for public safety, as mandated by the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.
This incident highlights a rising concern over the safety of law enforcement officers on Lagos roads. Last month, a similar situation occurred when soldiers attacked police officers enforcing traffic laws in Ojo, resulting in a police officer’s death.
Authorities urge drivers to comply with traffic regulations to prevent such dangerous confrontations.
