The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has denied claims that its officials knocked down two students while chasing a vehicle on the Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, lane.
The statement was released to reporters on Monday by Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at LASTMA, Taofiq Adebayo.
9News Nigeria reports that part of the statement read; “LASTMA’s attention has been drawn to a misleading report titled, ‘Two students knocked down as LASTMA officials chase vehicle on BRT Lane.
“We categorically refute the claims, which misrepresent the facts and attempt to misinform the public regarding the tragic incident,” he said.
Adebayo therefore clarified that LASTMA officials do not engage in high-speed pursuits, whether on regular roads or BRT corridors.
“Our agency has transitioned to advanced Traffic Management Solutions (TMS) technology, enabling remote identification and apprehension of violators without physical confrontation,” he said.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and reaffirm our commitment to traffic orderliness and the safety of all road users,” Adebayo stated.
He urged the public and media to uphold journalistic integrity, ensuring facts are verified before sharing information that could cause panic or damage the reputation of government bodies.
Preliminary investigations confirmed that a driver of a black Toyota Camry encroached on the BRT lane, while noticing LASTMA officers ahead, he recklessly attempted to evade detection.
In doing so, he lost control and fatally struck two students of Government College, Agege, who were walking home from school.
