Soldiers attack LASTMA officials after violating traffic rule

Some soldiers have assaulted the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials, who found them guilty of using the wrong lane.

According to Punch, the LASTMA officials accosted a senior army officer, Major Dickson Okpor, and a female banker for committing a traffic offence, which was plying the BRT lane.

Despite disregarding a traffic regulation, the lieutenant colonel resisted attempts from the officials to penalise him and went on to demand for his release, along with that of the banker.

READ: "Over 10 vehicles of the military were found on the BRT corridor", LASTMA says

As expected, the LASTMA officials refused.

The soldier allegedly called for backup, these soldiers arrived and allegedly assaulted the LASTMA officials.

Here is how an anonymous eyewitness described it.

“Around 7.30am, LASTMA officials were enforcing the traffic law at the Onipanu end of the Ikorodu Road when one Major in a silver Lexus with number plate, KTU566AV, took the BRT lane.

“Behind him was a banker, Mrs. in a black RAV 4. When we accosted them, one Lt.Col stormed the scene and ordered that they be released. Scores of soldiers stormed the place and a fracas ensued. The soldiers had their way.”

Mr. Mamud Hassan, LASTMA Public Relations Officer, has revealed his thoughts on the incident.

He said that no one was above the law, adding that even Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and commissioners did not use the BRT lane.

READ: Governor Ambode pleads with military officials to obey traffic laws

The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Col. Mustapha Anker, has reacted to this, saying that soldiers and officers have been warned against taking the BRT lane.

He also said that the army authorities will discipline the soldiers in question.