LASTMA Denies Crushing Pregnant Woman To Death

By Rasaq Adebayo 

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has denied a report by some online media alleging the Agency’s drivers of killing a pregnant woman at Computer Village, Ikeja Lagos on Tuesady.

In a statement, the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Mr. Taofiq Adebayo said the report was not true of the situation.

He explained that the woman was not crushes by LASTMA but fell from a bus, adding that the woman sustained injury but was dead as reported.

The statement read: “OFFICERS REPORTEDLY CRUSH PREGNANT WOMAN TO DEATH AT COMPUTER VILLAGE, IKEJA, LAGOS.

“The attention of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority LASTMA has been drawn to the above captioned story published/circulating by an online media (@SamzyVG & @ToyosiGodwin) today Tuesday, 29th of August, 2023.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that a mini commercial bus (korope) driver upon sighting a LASTMA Patrol Van in front of MRS Filling Station queuing to fuel up, drove dangerously and a passenger sitting by the door which was not closed fell down from the ‘Korope’ and was immediately rushed to LASUTH for medical treatment due to minor injuries she sustained.

“Investigation further revealed that the woman was not dead as reported but, only sustained minor injuries which has been treated at LASUTH, and was finally discharged.

“The statement that a pregnant woman was crushed to death by a LASTMA Van during a ‘Korope’ chase was not true as she was confirmed not to be pregnant before discharged from LASUTH with her husband.

“The matter was immediately reported at Area ‘F’ Divisional Police Station for further investigation.

“Consequently, the Management of LASTMA enjoined all commercial bus operators to always ensure safety of their passengers by having their vehicle door closed while on motion as enshrined in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform (2018).”