On October 3, a tragic incident unfolded in the Ago, Okota area of Lagos State, sparking outrage and calls for reform. A vehicle, reportedly chased by an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), collided with a tricycle, leading to a heartbreaking loss of life. This unfortunate event, which has become a trending topic online, was said to have involved a pregnant woman and her two children, highlighting the urgent need for discussions surrounding traffic management and public safety.
As news of the accident spread, users on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), expressed their demands for the disbandment of LASTMA. The incident raised questions about the accountability and operational protocols of traffic enforcement agencies in Lagos, especially in light of the tragic outcomes that can result from high-speed pursuits.
The public outcry following this incident reflects a growing frustration with LASTMA's practices. Many commentators have compared the authority's conduct to that of the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), which faced widespread condemnation for its excesses. This event serves as a critical juncture for stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of traffic management in Lagos.
- Tragedy struck on Tuesday, October 3, in Ago, Okota area of Lagos state, after a vehicle which was allegedly chased by an official of LASTMA, rammed into a tricycle
- The sad occurrence, which is currently trending online, was said to have affected a pregnant woman and her two children
- Legit.ng noted comments from internet users, some of which called for LASTMA to be disbanded – just like the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS)
Okota, Lagos state - Users of X (formerly Twitter) are calling for the scrapping of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
This is after a vehicle being chased allegedly by an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) rammed into a tricycle, killing at least one person. The LASTMA official was reportedly aided by a police officer.
The accident occurred on the morning of Tuesday, October 3.
LASTMA was established in July 2000 during the administration of Bola Tinubu to transform the state transportation system to ensure the free flow of traffic in the state and also reduce road accidents.
Legit.ng captures some comments online related to the Ago Palace accident. See below:
Timilehin Daniel wrote:
“These guys and Police are siblings to the devil.”
@IziGab1 said:
“It's getting out of hand.”
@klordafrica commented:
“They need to be called to order.”
@Classic84073745 wrote:
“Ban them, even without arms motorists fear them more than police, I asked why? They say with less than 5k you can sort any offense with police but LASTMA tickets start from 50k above because they are on monthly target by their superior.”
@iamthejyde wrote:
“It's a matter of time. The people will end it when they are ready. One day, they won't be able to wear their uniforms again.”
@omojesu38 commented:
“LASTMA is a menace and Nuisance to the society at large pls help us shut them down, they have contracted nothing to the society.”
4 Feared Killed in Okota, Lagos
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a pregnant woman and three others reportedly died after a car drove into a tricycle in the Ago Palace Way of Okota in Lagos state.
This was made known by an X user, best known as (Twitter), #tobe_stevee, via his page on Tuesday, October 3.
