A routine traffic enforcement exercise at Ojota Interchange in Lagos turned violent over the weekend after a commercial bus driver allegedly stabbed an officer of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) with a broken bottle.
The incident occurred after LASTMA officials stopped a painted Caravelle GL Volkswagen bus with registration number EKY 693 YK for operating along the Ojota–Ketu corridor with its passenger door left open while conveying commuters — a violation authorities said posed serious danger to passengers and other road users.
According to a statement issued by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Adebayo Taofiq, the driver resisted arrest and attempted to escape by driving onto the road median. His getaway was cut short when the vehicle became immobilised.
Officials said the suspect then turned aggressive, grabbed a broken bottle from inside the bus and attacked enforcement officers, stabbing one of them in the fingers before fleeing the scene.
The injured officer was immediately rushed to a medical facility, where he underwent emergency surgery.
Doctors reportedly carried out reconstructive procedures on two fingers due to severe fractures and blood loss. He remains under close medical observation.
Although the driver escaped, LASTMA confirmed that the vehicle was impounded in line with statutory regulations.
Reacting to the attack, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned the incident, describing it as a brazen assault on lawful authority.
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He disclosed that investigations were ongoing in collaboration with the police to track down the suspect and ensure he faces prosecution.
Bakare-Oki warned commercial drivers against reckless behaviour and violent resistance to enforcement officers, stressing that such actions would attract stiff legal consequences.
He added that the agency would continue to intensify traffic operations across Lagos to protect lives and maintain order on the roads.
“Violence against traffic personnel is a direct affront to civil order,” he said, reaffirming LASTMA’s commitment to enforcing compliance and safeguarding public safety throughout the metropolis.
