What started as a routine traffic enforcement operation in Lagos quickly descended into chaos after a commercial bus conductor allegedly stabbed a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officer with a screwdriver during a confrontation.
The shocking incident occurred at the ever-busy Ile-Epo Market along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, inward Abule-Egba, after LASTMA officials impounded a Volkswagen commercial bus (registration number LSR 989 XG) for allegedly causing a major traffic obstruction.
According to LASTMA, the driver reportedly resisted the enforcement exercise, escalating tensions at the scene. During the altercation, the bus conductor, identified as Lekan Olasunkanmi, allegedly pulled out a screwdriver and stabbed one of the traffic officers.
The injured official was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where he received emergency medical attention. Authorities confirmed that he is responding well to treatment.
The suspect was swiftly arrested and handed over to officers at the Abattoir Police Division for investigation and possible prosecution.
LASTMA disclosed that during preliminary interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted to producing the screwdriver and claimed the stabbing happened accidentally during the confrontation.
Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki condemned the increasing attacks on traffic officials carrying out their lawful duties.
He warned that anyone who assaults LASTMA personnel would face the full force of the law, stressing that traffic officers are deployed across Lagos to ensure smooth movement of people, goods and services while enforcing traffic regulations.
Bakare-Oki further urged motorists, commercial drivers and transport unions to obey the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, emphasizing that respect for traffic management officials is vital to maintaining order and improving road safety across the state.
Police investigations into the incident are ongoing, while the suspect remains in custody pending further legal action.
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