LASTMA official allegedly kills tanker driver in Lagos

There was pandemonium in Lagos on Friday after a 50-year-old, tanker driver identified as Salisu Sanni, was reportedly killed by an official of Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASMA) around Ijesha/Sanya Expressway.

It was learned that the driver was knocked down by an official of Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) while he was struggling with a policeman who collected his vehicle keys from him.

According to the motor boy who spoke to Saturday Vanguard at that scene, 'at about 6:30 our truck was intercepted by some security officials. I didn't know what actually happened between the driver and the policeman, I only heard them arguing. But I saw when the officer pushed Salisu Sanni, and he fell down, unfortunately the LASTMA vehicle rammed over him with their vehicle.'

'We were on our way to Capital oil located at Westminster depot on the Mile two - Oshodi express-way where we were scheduled to load fuel.'

Angered by the death of their colleagues, other truck drivers blocked the expressway protesting the death of the tanker driver.

The blockage caused severe traffic along the axis for several hours.

It took the timely intervention of Rapid Response Squad Commander ACP Olatunji Disu who addressed the union leaders and calmed frayed nerves in order to restore peace and orderliness in the area. Confirming the incident, the Lagos SP Dolapo Badmus said that a tanker driver was intercepted by a team of LASTMA officials at Oshodi Apapa express way by Ijesha, Inward Mile 2.

In the process the driver Salisu Sani aka Dangwari was allegedly knocked down by the LASTMA vehicle.

The victim was immediately taken to AMC Hospital Amuwo Odofin where he died. Policemen have been deployed to the vicinity to restore normalcy while all stakeholders are being pacified to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

Investigation has commenced to unravel what actually transpired.' But LASTMA spokesperson, Mamud Hassan, described the allegation as false.

He said 'the incident along Apapa expressway has nothing to do with LASTMA. None of our officials was within the vicinity of the scene. I think the Police must have commenced investigation which will unravel the culprit. I can tell you in all ramifications that LASTMA has no hand in the incident. Report that our vehicle knocked somebody down is far from the truth'.