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Breaking News: Outrage in Lagos as Drivers Resist LASTMA Arrest in Maryland After Being Directed by Another LASTMA Team to Take BRT Lane in Ojota
There was chaos in Lagos on Wednesday as motorists clashed with officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) over conflicting directives that nearly led to mass arrests along the Ojota–Maryland corridor.
Eyewitnesses told Lagos Reporters that LASTMA officers stationed at Ojota ordered drivers to divert into the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane due to the heavy gridlock caused by the ongoing renovation of the Ogudu Bridge.
However, on getting to Maryland, another set of LASTMA personnel positioned around Maryland Mall attempted to arrest the same motorists for driving on the restricted lane. The move was resisted by the drivers, sparking heated arguments and outrage among commuters.
Many motorists described the situation as “confusing and embarrassing,” accusing the traffic officials of working at cross-purposes. The clash worsened the already chaotic traffic situation, leaving several commuters stranded for hours.
Commuters and motorists are now calling on the Lagos State Government to urgently address the lapses in coordination among LASTMA officers to prevent a repeat of the incident.