The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), has lamented the burning of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicle by an angry mob in the Ogolonto area of Ikorodu.
The bus was reportedly set ablaze on Friday after it allegedly crushed a motorcyclist to death.
The mob also reportedly attacked the bus driver before police officers and officials of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) intervened and rescued him unharmed.
A viral video seen by THE WHISTLER showed the BRT bus engulfed in flames.
Speaking to THE WHISTLER, LAMATA’s Head of Corporate Communication, Kolawole Ojelabi, said the accident occurred on the BRT lane.
According to him, the motorcyclist was riding on the BRT lane, in violation of traffic regulations.
However, Ojelabi could not confirm reports that the motorcyclist died in the accident.
“There was an accident between an Okada rider and the bus, and the bus was burnt in retaliation,” he told THE WHISTLER.
When asked whether the motorcyclist was killed in the accident, he said, “I don’t have that information.”
The LAMATA spokesperson lamented that the destruction of the bus would deprive at least 400 Lagos residents of daily access to the service.
“It’s going to deprive no fewer than 400 Lagosians the use of that bus on a daily basis,” Ojelabi said.
The incident comes more than three years after a mob set a BRT vehicle ablaze following the death of the driver of a 14-seater Volkswagen bus, popularly known as a Danfo.
The deceased driver was reportedly alone when the accident occurred at Ifako Bridge, outward Third Mainland Bridge, Ogudu, Lagos. The BRT driver and his assistant escaped with minor injuries.
According to an eyewitness, the mob attacked the BRT bus following the Danfo driver’s death, while police officers at the scene were unable to prevent the attack.
