The police in Lagos have commenced investigation into the role of the officers of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) in the death of two workers of the State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) in the Gbagada area of the state.
The incident occurred when an errant motorist, with vehicle number EPE 984 DV, was trying to evade arrest and rammed into two sweepers at their duty post, killing them on the spot.
Confirming the development yesterday, spokesperson for Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the command is investigating the LASTMA officers’ role in the incident. Hundeyin also confirmed that the driver has been taken in custody of the Command.
“He turned himself in on Monday and he will be arraigned for manslaughter.” He, however, refused to give the identity of the victims.
Meanwhile, Lagos State government through the Ministry of Transportation has denied the involvement of LASTMA officers in the incident.
Special Adviser on Transportation to the Governor of Lagos State, Sola Giwa, said information gathered, revealed that the driver of a Honda Saloon car rammed into the innocent sweepers while they were discharging their duties along Gbagada Expressway. He said immediate investigation revealed that no LASTMA personnel was involved in the unfortunate incident.
According to him, it was confirmed that officers from Pedro Police Station had recovered the accident vehicle into their custody to aid further and thorough investigation on the incident. He assured members of the public that the outcome of the Police investigation would be made public, and anyone found culpable would be made to face the consequence of the law.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation however, appealed to members of the public to remain calm and motorists to always drive with caution on Lagos roads and highways.
“The Ministry of Transportation wishes to express its profound condolences to the management of LAWMA and families of the deceased, and prayed for the repose of the departed souls,” he added
PHOTO and CAPTION: Benjamin Hundeyin
