The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority LASTMA has faulted a story published on Wednesday January 4, 2023, by an online media, with the caption, How LASTMA, Area Boys Allegedly Driver Stabbed Driver to Comma”.
According to a statement released on Thursday by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, the story, as narrated by the driver of a commercial coaster bus (Jamiu Alao) who was stabbed was not the true position of what transpired at Ijora under bridge on Wednesday, Dec. 21st, 2022 around Ijora, Brewery area of Lagos where the incident happened.
The statement which was made available to Transportation Plus rrads in parts: “It is pertinent to state that on 22nd of December, 2022, the Agency received a call from a commercial bus driver who said he was assaulted by some area boys inside a towing vehicle attached with a LASTMA patrol team around under bridge at Ijora, Lagos.
‘The case was immediately referred to the ‘Provost and Surveillance’ Unit of LASTMA for a thorough investigation.
“The Unit held a fact finding meeting with the complainant (driver), towing vehicle operator and Lastma Officers involved on Wednesday, 28th of December, 2022 at Lastma Headquarters, Oshodi, Lagos
“Investigations revealed that the commercial driver (Jamiu Alao) and his boys were stabbed by area boys (hoodlums) at Ijora because he refused to pay them money ‘owo oni-ile’ before his technician could be allowed to work on his broken down coaster bus.
“It was further revealed that immediately the driver gave money to the first set of area boys that approached him another set (hoodlums) appeared to demand for another money which he refused to pay them.
“The hot argument later turned into a serious fracas where some transport union members supported him (driver) and engaged those area boys with dangerous weapons.
“Unfortunate for the driver, he and his conductor got stabbed at different spots by these notorious area boys before the arrival of Police men.
“LASTMA officials with the towing vehicle operator left the scene immediately and continued their official duties”.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Bolaji Oreagba however warned motorists particularly commercial bus operators to always report to the Police whenever they are having issues with area boys (hoodlums).
