In a disturbing escalation of road rage, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has strongly denounced a vicious assault on one of its officers by a commercial bus driver at the bustling Ojota Interchange this afternoon. The incident, which unfolded along the high-traffic Ojota–Ketu corridor, has left the agency reeling and sparked fresh concerns over the safety of traffic enforcers in the state.
Eyewitnesses and official accounts describe a routine traffic stop turning into a nightmare. The driver, behind the wheel of a white Caravelle GL Volkswagen bus with registration number EKY 693 YK, was flagged down for a blatant safety violation: operating the vehicle with its passenger door wide open while ferrying a load of unsuspecting commuters. What should have been a straightforward warning quickly spiraled out of control.
According to LASTMA spokesperson, Mrs. Adeola Ogunleye, the driver not only refused to comply but launched into a desperate bid to evade arrest. "He veered sharply, attempting to mount the road median in a reckless maneuver that endangered everyone around him," Ogunleye told ReportNaija in a phone interview. The bus soon ground to a halt after getting stuck, but the driver's fury was far from over. In a shocking turn, he shattered a bottle and lunged at the officers, inflicting deep stab wounds on one victim's fingers. The attack caused severe fractures and profuse bleeding, forcing the injured officer into immediate emergency surgery at a nearby hospital.
As chaos erupted, the assailant slipped away into the crowd, leaving behind a scene of pandemonium and a trail of unanswered questions. LASTMA officials wasted no time in securing the abandoned vehicle, which has now been impounded at their headquarters for further investigation. "This kind of violence against those who keep our roads safe is unacceptable," Ogunleye added. "We're working hand-in-glove with the police to track down this coward and ensure he faces the full weight of the law."
The rapid response police unit from the Ojota division has launched a manhunt, combing through CCTV footage and witness statements to piece together the driver's identity and whereabouts. No arrests have been made as of press time, but authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
This isn't the first time LASTMA officers have clashed with defiant drivers in Lagos' notoriously congested streets, but the level of brutality here has drawn widespread condemnation from road safety advocates. Groups like the Lagos State Drivers' Union have already distanced themselves from the act, calling it a "black mark on the transport sector."
As the injured officer recovers, LASTMA is reminding motorists: compliance isn't optional—it's a matter of life and limb. We'll keep you updated as this story develops. Have you witnessed similar incidents? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
