One dead, four injured in driver, LASTMA scuffle

One person died and four were injured in a scuffle that involved officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, a policeman and a driver in the Ago Palace area of Isolo, Lagos.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the incident happened around 9 a.m. on Tuesday when the yet-to-be-identified driver allegedly tried to escape after a traffic infraction.

Eyewitnesses told PUNCH Metro that LASTMA officials, aided by a policeman chased the motorist.

An eyewitness, who gave his name simply as Usman, said, “The LASTMA officials chased the driver. One of the law enforcement officers was dragging the steering wheel with the driver and in the course of that, the driver lost control and rammed into some passersby. About four persons died.”

Another source disclosed that there was unrest in the area after the incident.

LASTMA spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, when contacted, said the agency was aware of the incident.

“We’re aware and we’ll give an update soon,” he told PUNCH Metro.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, has not responded to calls and text messages as of the time of filing this report.

However, the Lagos Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Babatunde Farinloye, confirmed to our correspondent that “One person was killed and four others were injured” in the incident.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]