Commercial tricycle operators have attacked operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) in the Ojota area of the state.

The Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA, Taofiq Adebayo, disclosed this via a statement issued on Wednesday.

Adebayo stated that the LASTMA officials, who were on official duty, were attacked with dangerous weapons, including machetes, iron, broken bottles, and local charms.

He said the incident, which occurred last Sunday, was perpetrated by members of the Ojota Branch of the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN).

Adebayo said other LASTMA officials had to abandon their duty posts when one of them was seriously injured.

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He noted that the officer, Ajibola Oguntimehin, was injured in his left eye with broken bottles and was currently admitted at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.

According to him, a preliminary investigation showed that about 20 TOAN members attacked the LASTMA officers after the tricycle operators were informed that a Toyota Camry, with number plate FKJ 161 HB, belonging to their newly elected chairman was impounded for alleged “illegal diversion”.

Adebayo noted that LASTMA General Manager, Bolaji Oreagba, confirmed that the matter had been reported at the Area ‘H’ Police Command, Ogudu, adding that efforts were on to identify and arrest all those who took part in the attack.

“We are searching for the attackers with information gathered so far by our intelligence unit.

“We will ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law,” Adebayo quoted Oreagba as saying.

The Star