The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has denied that an official of the agency assaulted a motorist in the Jibowu area of Lagos state.
The agency said that the news trending on social media misrepresented what took place between the motorist and its official.
“The attention of the management of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has been drawn to the above captioned news trending in the social media where a passenger in a commercial bus alleged that she was assaulted by an official of the agency,” LASTMA said.
“The management therefore sympathises with Miss Esther Rejoice Udoh, who was injured in the face in the incident.
Explaining what happened, LASTMA said that, “The incident leading to the alleged claim occurred on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at about 6.05pm when a LASTMA personnel on lawful duty at Jibowu and Herbert Macaulay Way intersection sighted a commercial mini bus (korope) driving dangerously in a direction prohibited by Road Traffic Law (one-way).
“Every effort by the officer to correct and re- direct the driver to follow correct direction proved abortive but the driver of the bus drove dangerously to avoid arrest and the officer’s hand inadvertently hit the side mirror. The mirror shattered and injured the woman’s face.
“In line with the current philosophy of the agency’s management that officers irrespective of motorists traffic law violations should always show empathy, sympathy and public safety in the front burners of their action, the officer took Miss Udoh first to Harvey Road General Hospital, where she was given immediate medical attention and then referred to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for further treatment. All costs borne by the officer. Therefore, the allegation of assault as reported was not true.
Speaking on the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Bolaji Oreagba assured motorists and members of the public that under his watch the officers of the agency would strictly operate in line with the current administration philosophy of security and good governance for the good people of Lagos State.
He enjoined motorists and the public to always report any traffic official who operates contrary to public expectations to the agency for necessary action.
