Operatives of Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) has denied alleged involvement of its boys in stabbing a commercial driver to death in Lagos.
Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment of the agency, Mr Adebayo Taofik, in a statement issued to journalists, Thursday, said the attention of the LASTMA has been drawn to the story published by an online media (Citizens Compass) on Wednesday, 4th of January, 2023.
“It is pertinent to state that on December 22, 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 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.”
Adebayo stated that the 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.
“Unfortunately for the driver, he and his conductor got stabbed at different spots by these notorious area boys before the arrival of Policemen,” the statement clarified.
He added that the LASMlTMA officials with the towing vehicle operator left the scene immediately and continued their official duties.
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