An official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Obasu Godwin was killed when commercial drivers plying Bariga to Oshodi attacked LASTMA officials in the area.
Godwin was said to have been hacked to death with machetes.
The General Manager of LASTMA,Olajide Oduyoye condemned the incident on Thursday, March 18, 2021, describing it as “senseless and unwarranted”.
Oduyoye also disclosed that another LASTMA officer, Adeniyi Hakeem was assaulted by operators of minibuses better known as ‘korope’ at the Anthony area of the state.null
He said, “Obasu Segun Godwin and Adeniyi Hakeem were attacked with machetes and other dangerous weapons by the driver of a commercial bus with registration number FKJ 452 YC, plying Bariga to Oshodi via the Ikorodu Road axis in cohort with some other drivers, after his vehicle was apprehended for contravening the Traffic Law of the State.
“The sad fact about the whole saga was that the two officers were in mufti and on their way home, having completed their morning shift and closed for the day before the recalcitrant commercial bus drivers went berserk, seeking any LASTMA officers to attack for carrying out their statutory duties.
“Obasu was struck severally with machetes resulting in deep lacerations on the head and his eventual death, while Adeniyi Hakeem, who was also attacked in a similar fashion has been hospitalised and in a coma.”
The LASTMA boss added that some senior officers, who were also in mufti and around the area were lucky to escape the mob attack.
He warned that “all cultists doubling as commercial bus drivers that any traffic violation or infraction shall be punished or penalised as enacted by the Lagos State House of Assembly”.
Oduyoy said seven of the culprits have been handed over to the police while the driver of the bus and others are still at large.
