The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has said that it is ensuring the safety of its officers ahead of full resumptions.
Commenting on the fact that LASTMA officials have been noticeably absent on the roads in the past few days, the Agency says that some of its officers were attacked in the ensuing violence that erupted after the shooting of protesters at the Lekki tollgate.
In a press statement by Assistant Director, Public Affairs LASTMA, Filade Olumide on Thursday, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olajide Oduyoye was quoted as explaining that gridlock in Lagos is not caused only by the “partial” absence of LASTMA officials but also by traffic light junctions and the absence of Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) bus operations.
Further, the GM enjoined all road users to adhere to all traffic laws of the state. Also, he asked motorists to take succour in the fact that LASTMA is set to fully return to manage the road traffic, especially as the different areas become less volatile.
“We must all have a change towards positive attitude of obeying the Laws of the State which were made for the benefit of all, for orderliness and for fast-paced socio-economic improvement of individuals, corporate entities and generality of the people.
“Owing to the recent #EndSARS protest violence which resulted in the looting, arson, and destruction of twelve LASTMA zonal offices, physical attacks of LASTMA officers, the events which have no less left unfortunate physical and psychological scars on our operational personnel.
“All the same, we are taking stock, restructuring, and re-strategising and this is the reason why we have only about sixty per cent of our beats at some strategic intersections/junctions to eliminate frictions, reduce delays and ensure better flow of traffic.
“We are aware of the traffic congestion suffered by commuters as a result of many damaged traffic light junctions, absence of BRT bus operations, illegal vehicular movements, and the general lack of respect for driving ethics by some. In all, the safety of every LASTMA personnel as with all Lagos residents is equally paramount,” the statement read.
