JUST IN: LASTMA debunks setting bus ablaze, condemns attack on officials

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has debunked the claim that its officials set a bus ablaze in the Obanikoro area of the state.

The Assistant Director, Public Affairs, LASTMA, Olumide Filade, in a statement on Friday, said the management of the agency, after assessing the trending video where it was alleged that officials of the agency were complicit in the act, refuted the claim.

He said, “Attention of the management of the LASTMA has been drawn to a video trending online since Thursday, June 23, 2022, alleging complicity of LASTMA officials in the burning of a bus at Obanikoro area on Ikorodu Road by an uninformed blogger on Facebook.

“LASTMA management after due diligence on the video sympathises with the vehicle owner but categorically denies complicity of any of its officers in the incident portrayed in the video.

“Rather, one of the LASTMA patrol officers offering a helping hand with the burning vehicle was severely injured by uncalled-for mob action which seems to be occurring nowadays at the slightest alarm.

“The video report lacked pictorial evidence of LASTMA officers’ complicity; those interviewed were neither eyewitnesses nor people directly involved in the incident, rather, they were people living within the inside street, close to the scene of the incident on Ikorodu Road.”

Filade said their evidence was ear-say and limited to after the arrival of security agencies’ officials to maintain law and order, after attacks on one of the LASTMA officials, and also the firefighters that were there to render assistance in putting out the fire burning the vehicle.

He said, “LASTMA officials do not operate within side street and over time, the state government has announced zero-tolerance to attack on its officials while performing their duties as enshrined in the laws or as directed.

“We wish to reiterate that LASTMA personnel must not be attacked/assaulted while performing their duties or rendering service to the public.

“The LASTMA management also use this opportunity to advise reporters/bloggers to endeavour to conduct proper investigation and present facts rather than sentiments in their reportage for a peaceful and orderly society.”