Driver sets self ablaze after LASTMA impounded bus in Lagos

There was pandemonium in the Ajao Estate area of Lagos State on Tuesday as a commercial bus driver set himself ablaze after his vehicle was impounded by officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

It was gathered that the driver, whose identity could not be ascertained, was arrested by the LASTMA officials for driving against traffic.

The driver was said to be protesting the seizure of his bus when he suddenly reached for petrol, poured it on himself and set himself ablaze.

It was further learned that other commercial bus drivers and conductors, including passers-by, resulted to attack the LASTMA officials, leading to a fight between the officials and hoodlums in the area.

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An eyewitness, who identified himself as Onipekun, said: “The LASTMA officials were attacked because they never cared about the victim that was on fire. Rather, they were more interested on moving the vehicle away. The driver was eventually rushed to the hospital. Other drivers around said the victim lost his job last year and just got the commercial bus last November.”

It was gathered that the LASTMA officials were rescued from the attack by the operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), who were deployed to the area

Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, said the state Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, had ordered an investigation into the incident.

TheStar