Isolo Local Council Development Area office building in Okota, Lagos came under attack on Tuesday when angry youths razed the facility.
Their decision to attack the Council secretariat might not be unconnected to the death of two yet-to-be-identified persons who were chased to their death by the officials of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
Investigation revealed that the incident happened around 9:00 a.m when the yet-to-be-identified driver allegedly tried to escape after a traffic infraction.
It was against this background that the LASTMA officials, aided by a policeman, gave the motorist a hot chase.
According to an eyewitness, who identified himself as Usman, said while LASTMA officials chased the driver, one of the law enforcement agents was dragging the steering wheel.
He said: “The LASTMA officials chased the driver. One of the law enforcement officers was dragging the steering wheel with the driver and in the course of that, the driver lost control and rammed into some passengers. About four people died.”
Reacting, the spokesperson of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, in a statement said the driver of the blue Toyota Sienna bus (AKD 944 HN) was apprehended for driving against traffic.
He noted: “On their way, and in an attempt by the driver to escape, he diverted into Bayo Oyewale Street by Ago Roundabout and rammed into a fully loaded tricycle
“While the tricycle operator died instantly, a pregnant woman later died at the hospital while two injured school children are currently in the Intensive Care Unit receiving medical attention.
“It is noteworthy to mention that in an attempt to escape, the driver of the Sienna car lost control as a result of reckless driving which eventually resulted in the fatal accident.”