The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has reacted to a trending video of some of its officers driving against traffic in the Oworonsoki area of the state.
The officers were seen in the video driving a LASTMA branded van, violating traffic laws by driving into incoming vehicles, an offence better known as ‘one way’ driving.
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, your darling LASTMA officials who in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, recently auctioned off people’s vehicles for driving one-way against traffic.
When dem go auction this truck? 🤭
You did well @Dagbofather 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/HmYr4F0gxo
— Demola Of Lagos 𓃵 (@OmoGbajaBiamila) September 16, 2022
However following reactions to the video, LASTMA General Manager, Bolaji Oreagba said in a statement on Saturday September 17, that the incident happened two years ago.
The statement read;
“The Agency hereby states categorically that the video incident video occurred in the year 2020 before the #ENDSARS protest around Iyana-Oworo. All Officers involved have been appropriately sanctioned by the Authority.
“The patrol van with registration No. RTM 08 LA (Zone 25 Bariga) seen in the viral video was among LASTMA operational vehicles burnt alongside our office building by #EndSARS protesters at Iyana-Oworo, Lagos.
“The Agency, therefore, urges members of the public to disregard the video that was deployed to embarrass our team of hardworking officers.
“LASTMA will continue effective monitoring and control of traffic across the State, just as it will not condone indiscipline among any of its personnel.”