- Safiu Kehinde
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has foiled the escape attempt by a hit-and-run Togolese driver who struck a pedestrian and attempted fleeing from the accident scene.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by LASTMA’s Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq.
According to the statement, the incident occurred at the Adeniji Adele intersection, inward Ilubirin, on Lagos Island.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the Togolese operator of a Mazda automobile, bearing registration number EPE 749 GS, while driving recklessly lost control and brutally struck a pedestrian who was attempting to cross the roadway.
The forceful impact grievously injured the victim, leaving him in the pool of his own blood.
However, the driver attempted to abscond from the scene with his vehicle, leading to a hot pursuit by LASTMA officials present at the scene.
He was eventually apprehended and promptly transferred him into the custody of security operatives from the Adeniji Adele Police Division for comprehensive interrogation and subsequent prosecution.
Emergency responders from the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) rushed the injured pedestrian to the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island.
In reaction to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, sternly admonished motorists to embrace an uncompromising sense of safety consciousness whenever behind the wheel.
He expressed concern over the spate of needless tragedies on Lagos roadways due to excessive speed.
While sympathising with the accident victim, Bakare-Oki fervently wished him a rapid and full recovery.
The LASTMA General Manager reaffirmed the authority’s dedication to protecting human lives and preserving orderliness across the state’s transportation corridors.