A shocking video has surfaced depicting unidentified soldiers brutally assaulting a member of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) in the Ojota area of Lagos state.
The incident appears to be a disturbing act of retaliation.
In the viral video, which has been widely shared on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), a group of eight men can be seen wearing improvised masks over their faces. They forcefully seize the LASTMA officer, subjecting him to a sustained and vicious beating. The video captures the disturbing scene as the officer is knocked to the ground by one of the enraged soldiers. Meanwhile, other LASTMA officers are seen fleeing the area, seemingly in an attempt to avoid further confrontation.
This incident follows another viral video from last week, where an army officer was involved in a physical altercation with a LASTMA officer. The exact cause of the altercation remains unclear, as the footage doesn’t provide context for their clash. In the previous video, the LASTMA officer is observed striking the soldier with his club, which then escalates into a physical brawl between the two.
The assault on the LASTMA officer raises concerns about the safety of traffic management officials and the need for a safe working environment. Authorities are yet to provide a comprehensive statement on the incident. Adebayo Taofiq, the Head of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, mentioned that he’s awaiting further directives from the General Manager, who is currently in a meeting.
As the video continues to circulate online, the incident has sparked conversations about the responsibilities of law enforcement officers, the importance of maintaining decorum, and the necessity for proper channels to address grievances without resorting to violence.
