Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A commercial bus conductor has been arrested after allegedly stabbing a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officer with a screwdriver during a routine traffic enforcement operation at Ile-Epo Market along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway. The incident occurred on Monday, June 29, 2026, when a LASTMA patrol team stopped a Volkswagen commercial bus with registration number LSR 989 XG for causing serious traffic obstruction along the busy market corridor inward Abule-Egba.
According to a statement by LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq, the driver of the commercial vehicle vehemently resisted lawful enforcement procedures. In a shocking escalation, the vehicle's conductor, identified as Lekan Olasunkanmi, allegedly armed himself with a screwdriver and violently attacked a LASTMA officer, inflicting a stab wound during the altercation.
The injured officer was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where he received emergency treatment and is currently responding positively to treatment, according to LASTMA officials.
Following the attack, the matter was promptly reported to the Abattoir Police Division, where the suspect was taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution. During preliminary police interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted to bringing out the screwdriver and confessed that he mistakenly stabbed the LASTMA officer during the confrontation.
Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned what he described as the growing hostility and aggression against traffic management personnel carrying out their lawful duties. He warned that the Lagos State Government would not tolerate any form of assault, intimidation or harassment of LASTMA officers.
“Anyone found attacking LASTMA personnel in the course of their lawful duties will face the full weight of the law. Our officers are deployed across the state to facilitate seamless movement of people, goods and services, while ensuring compliance with traffic regulations. Any act of violence against them is an affront to public order and the rule of law and will not go unpunished,” Bakare-Oki said.
The LASTMA boss also urged motorists, commercial transport operators and other road users to comply with the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, stressing that cooperation with traffic management authorities is essential to achieving a safer and more efficient transport system. He further appealed to transport unions and commercial vehicle operators to continue sensitising their members on the need to respect law enforcement and traffic management officials.
This latest attack comes months after another LASTMA officer was allegedly stabbed with a broken bottle by a commercial bus driver during a traffic enforcement operation at Ojota Interchange. The officer sustained serious injuries and underwent emergency surgery, prompting renewed concerns over the safety of traffic officials on duty.
As investigations continue, the suspect remains in police custody and is expected to face prosecution in accordance with the law.
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