Ben Thompson, a police inspector, and Caleb Akerele, a representative of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, were allegedly beaten by two bus drivers who were wearing military uniform along the Eko Bridge and were later taken to the hospital.
The drivers were allegedly transporting people in commercial buses on a one-way trip from Costain to Ijora Olopa when they were confronted by the traffic authorities.
They were apparently told to turn around by the authorities, which sparked a dispute.
According to reports, the drivers attacked the officers and beat them up.
Taofeek Adebayo, LASTMA spokesperson confirmed the incident saying,
“Two commercial buses fully loaded with passengers were driving one-way from Costain to Ijora Olopa and they were challenged by a policeman and a LASTMA officer, who asked them why there were plying one-way.
“After several pleas to turn back, the two commercial drivers, who were putting on army camouflage, descended on the two officers and started beating them. It took the intervention of a team of policemen from Ijora to rescue the officials.”
“The injured officers were taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Meta. The policeman’s hand was severed with a jackknife; the LASTMA officer was injured on his cheek. The military officer has been detained at the Lagos State Police Command.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, also confirmed the incident.
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