LASTMA officer attack at Ojota leaves official injured as Lagos agency vows firm prosecution of fleeing bus driver

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has condemned a brutal attack on one of its officers who was allegedly stabbed by a commercial bus driver at Ojota Interchange in Lagos.

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The incident occurred over the weekend after officials intercepted a painted Caravelle GL Volkswagen bus, registration number EKY 693 YK, for driving along the Ojota–Ketu corridor with its passenger door open while carrying commuters, an infraction authorities described as dangerous.

According to a statement issued by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Adebayo Taofiq, and shared on X on Sunday, the driver resisted arrest and attempted to flee by mounting the road median before the vehicle was forced to a halt.

The statement said the suspect then grabbed a broken bottle from inside the bus and attacked enforcement officers, stabbing one officer in the fingers before escaping the scene.

The LASTMA officer attack left the injured official with severe fractures and significant blood loss. The officer was rushed to a medical facility, where emergency surgery was carried out.

Two fingers required operative reconstruction, and the officer remains under close medical observation.

Despite the suspect’s escape, the offending vehicle was impounded in line with statutory provisions. Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing to track down the driver.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed profound outrage over the assault and described the act as a direct affront to lawful authority and civil order.

Mr Bakare-Oki warned that violence against traffic enforcement personnel would attract a firm and uncompromising legal response.

Mr Bakare-Oki added that the police are investigating the case and prosecutorial measures are underway to ensure the apprehension and diligent prosecution of the suspect.

He also cautioned commercial transport operators against reckless non-compliance with traffic regulations, stressing that enforcement operations would be intensified to safeguard public safety across Lagos State.

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The agency reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining orderliness and ensuring the seamless flow of traffic within the metropolis, declaring that acts of lawlessness would not deter it from executing its statutory mandate.