A commercial bus conductor has been apprehended following the stabbing of a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officer. The assault took place on Monday at Ile-Epo Market along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway during a routine traffic enforcement mission.
A patrol team had stopped a Volkswagen bus, bearing license plate LSR 989 XG, due to traffic obstruction. While the driver defied the enforcement efforts, the conductor, Lekan Olasunkanmi, allegedly utilized a screwdriver to strike an officer. The wounded official was transported to a hospital and is currently recovering from his injuries.
Olasunkanmi was handed over to the Abattoir Police Division for investigation. During initial questioning, the suspect claimed the stabbing was an accident that occurred during the struggle. LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, strongly denounced the assault, calling it an intolerable act of hostility against public servants.
Bakare-Oki emphasized that the state government maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward the harassment of officials. He warned that those who interfere with traffic enforcement will be prosecuted. Furthermore, he encouraged road users and transport unions to observe traffic laws and show greater respect for authorities to ensure public safety.
