Arrest: Enraged Lagos commercial bus driver sets self, vehicle, LASTMA official on fire

In a fit of rage, a commercial bus (danfo) driver has set himself and an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) on fire while trying to evade arrest.

In a video on X on Tuesday, the driver was seen setting his bus on fire out of anger.

Persecondnews reports that the incident caused traffic to snarl on the Oshodi-Apapa expressway.

LASTMA spokesman Adebayo Taofiq confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday.

According to Taofiq, the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, they rushed the injured official to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.

“LASMA management is aware of a distressing video showing the driver of a Volkswagen T4 commercial bus with the number plate LSD 355 CK, setting both his vehicle and LASTMA officers ablaze in a brazen attempt to evade arrest,” she said.

The statement said: “The shocking event transpired today, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, when the driver resisted arrest with extreme aggression by LASTMA officials.

The vehicle had been intercepted for violating traffic regulations in the Cele inward Mile 2 area.

“In the course of arrest, the driver and his conductor erupted into a frenzy, resorting to pouring petrol on LASTMA personnel and engaging in hostile confrontations and physical attacks against officers present.

“The injured LASTMA officer, who sustained severe burns, was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.

“LASTMA reiterates its unwavering commitment to preserving order and ensuring the safety of Lagos roads, as stipulated in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.

“The agency strongly urges all commercial and other drivers to comply fully with traffic regulations and respect the authority of LASTMA personnel.

“LASTMA will not condone any form of violence or intimidation and will take firm and decisive action against those responsible.”