In a tumultuous turn of events, enraged youths set fire to the Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) office building in Okota, Lagos, on Tuesday. This incident was sparked by the tragic deaths of two yet-to-be-identified individuals during a scuffle involving officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), a policeman, and a driver in the Ago Palace area of Isolo, Lagos.
The unfortunate incident occurred around 9 am when an unidentified driver reportedly attempted to flee after committing a traffic violation. Eyewitnesses reported that LASTMA officials, assisted by a policeman, pursued the motorist.
An eyewitness known as Usman stated, “The LASTMA officials chased the driver. One of the law enforcement officers was dragging the steering wheel with the driver, and in the course of that, the driver lost control and collided with some passengers. Approximately four people lost their lives.”
In response to these events, Adebayo Taofiq, the spokesperson for LASTMA, released a statement, indicating that the driver of the blue Toyota Sienna bus (AKD 944 HN) was apprehended for driving against traffic. He explained, “On their way, and in an attempt by the driver to escape, he diverted into Bayo Oyewale Street by Ago Roundabout and collided with a fully loaded tricycle. The tricycle operator died instantly, a pregnant woman later died at the hospital, and two injured school children are currently in the Intensive Care Unit receiving medical attention.”
Babatunde Farinloye, the Lagos Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), confirmed that four victims were involved in the accident. However, FRSC officers fled the scene, and the LCDA facility was vandalized following the mob action.
Images and videos from the council office depicted damaged vehicles on the premises, with office rooms and windows among the targets of vandalism.
An anonymous official lamented, “They were going to burn the offices. They attacked the office because LASTMA, FRSC, and VIO (Vehicle Inspection Office) officials all make use of the building. I have lost many documents and valuables.”
Rasheed Iskilu, the council’s Chief Press Secretary, clarified that the incident involved a private car “that was purportedly being trailed by law enforcement agents, which led to the crushing to death of the occupants of a tricycle on Bayo Oyewole Street, Okota.” He assured the public that investigations into the incident have commenced.
Benjamin Hundeyin, the State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that two individuals lost their lives, while two others were hospitalized with injuries. Hundeyin clarified that it was a LASTMA operation with a police officer attached to the team for their safety. He also stated that normalcy had been restored in the area following the deployment of patrol teams.