LASTMA officer vs driver: Police confirm two dead, others in critical condition

The Lagos State police command says two persons have so far been confirmed dead following the incident that occurred in the Ago Palace Way of Okota in Lagos State on Tuesday.

Newsmen earlier reported that a yet-to-be-identified official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, reportedly dragged the steering wheel with a driver while effecting an arrest.

The driver was said to have lost control of the vehicle when it rammed into a tricycle, causing a major accident.

A pregnant woman and her two children were involved in the incident.

The development triggered a protest in the area as irate boys attempted to lynch the LASTMA officer.

Confirming the unfortunate incident, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Benjamin Hundeyin said while two persons have been confirmed dead, others are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.

He said normalcy had finally been restored to the area after operatives of the command rescued the LASTMA officer from the mob.

In a post on his X handle, the PPRO said, “this ugly incident happened when a driver fleeing from LASTMA officials who accosted him for driving against traffic ran into a tricycle.

“Unfortunately, two persons have been confirmed dead, while two children are currently receiving treatment in hospital.

“The policeman attached to the LASTMA team was severely attacked and grievously wounded by an angry mob. He is unconscious and currently being treated in hospital.

“Police backup teams immediately deployed to the scene have since restored normalcy in the area.

“Investigation has commenced into the incident.”