In a shocking incident that unfolded on the streets of Lagos, a commercial bus driver set himself ablaze in an apparent attempt to resist arrest by officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

The incident has sparked outrage among residents and raised questions about the conduct of traffic enforcement agencies in the city.

According to iDAN @dangbanamanager, who shared the video on X, the driver, whose identity has not been disclosed, was stopped by a group of LASTMA officials who accused him of violating traffic rules. The officials allegedly demanded that the driver pay a fine on the spot or face arrest and have his vehicle impounded.

The driver, however, vehemently denied any wrongdoing and accused the LASTMA officials of attempting to extort money from him. In a dramatic turn of events, the driver reportedly doused himself with petrol and set himself on fire, allegedly in a bid to prevent the officials from arresting him and impounding his vehicle.

Bystanders watched in horror as the driver was engulfed in flames, with some rushing to his aid and attempting to put out the fire. The LASTMA officials involved in the incident reportedly fled the scene as the situation escalated.

Meanwhile, according to LASTMA, the incident occurred in the Cele area, inward Mile 2, after officers intercepted the bus for violating traffic regulations.

The statement read, “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) is aware of a distressing video showing the driver of a Volkswagen T4 commercial bus, licence plate LSD 355 CK, setting both his vehicle and LASTMA officers ablaze in a brazen attempt to evade arrest.

“This shocking incident occurred today, Tuesday, 5 November 2024, when the driver resisted arrest with extreme aggression by LASTMA officials.

“The vehicle had been intercepted for violating traffic regulations in the Cele inward Mile 2 area.

“In the course of the arrest, the driver and his conductor became violent, pouring petrol on LASTMA personnel and engaging in hostile confrontations and physical attacks against the officers present.

“The injured LASTMA officer, who sustained severe burns, was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.”

LASTMA condemned the attack, emphasising its commitment to upholding road safety and law enforcement as mandated by the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.

The agency appealed to all drivers to comply with traffic laws and respect the authority of its personnel, adding that it will not tolerate any form of violence or intimidation against its officers and is committed to taking firm legal action against those responsible for the incident.

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