A commercial bus operator allegedly assaulted a traffic official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority during a routine enforcement exercise at Ojota Interchange, Lagos.
The incident, which occurred over the weekend, was confirmed in a statement released on Sunday by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Adebayo Taofiq.
He explained that officers had flagged down a painted Caravelle GL Volkswagen bus with registration number EKY 693 YK along the Ojota–Ketu axis for transporting passengers with its door left open, contrary to traffic safety regulations.
According to the agency, the driver refused to comply with the officers’ directives and allegedly attempted to escape by driving onto the road median.
The bid to flee was cut short when the vehicle was eventually brought to a halt.
The situation reportedly turned violent after the interception, as the driver was said to have picked up a broken bottle from inside the vehicle and attacked the enforcement teamdoorIn the process, one of the officers sustained serious injuries to his right hand.
The wounded official was immediately taken to a hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery.
Medical sources within the agency disclosed that two of his fingers required surgical repair due to the severity of the fractures.
He is currently receiving further treatment and remains under close observation.
Although the suspect managed to escape from the scene, the bus involved in the incident has been impounded in accordance with traffic laws.
Reacting to the development, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, denounced the attack, describing it as a grave act of lawlessness.
He assured that security agencies were working to apprehend the fleeing driver and ensure he faces prosecution.
Bakare-Oki also cautioned commercial transport operators against defying traffic rules or engaging in violent conduct, reiterating the agency’s commitment to enforcing order and safeguarding road users across the state.
