Lagos, Nigeria – A dramatic scene unfolded on Kodesho Street, Ikeja, as an unidentified “pregnant” woman narrowly escaped a potentially fatal accident after falling from a moving commercial bus while attempting to evade officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, not only caused commotion among bystanders but also attracted the attention of local thugs known as ‘area boys,’ who reacted strongly to the situation, confronting the government officials involved.
According to eyewitnesses, the situation escalated when these ‘area boys’ decided to intervene after the “pregnant” woman fell from the minibus, commonly referred to as a “Korope.”
Witnesses observed that the bus driver resorted to dangerous driving tactics upon spotting the LASTMA personnel, resulting in the passenger near the door losing her balance and tumbling out of the moving vehicle.
In the wake of the incident, some concerned individuals rushed to the aid of the fallen passenger, assuming that she had sustained severe injuries.
She was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.
However, Adebayo Taofiq, the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at LASTMA, offered a differing account of the event. Taofiq clarified that the claims of the woman being crushed by a LASTMA vehicle were unsubstantiated.
He explained that the driver took evasive action when he spotted a LASTMA patrol van stationed in front of an MRS Filling Station. This maneuver led to the passenger being propelled from the moving vehicle.
Taofiq noted that the woman sustained minor injuries and was taken to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for treatment.
He further confirmed that she was not pregnant and was discharged from LASUTH alongside her husband.
“Following the incident, tensions escalated as the ‘area boys’ confronted the LASTMA officials involved. The matter was subsequently reported to the Area ‘F’ Divisional Police Station for further investigation.”
In the midst of these events, LASTMA’s management seized the opportunity to reiterate the importance of adhering to safety protocols while operating commercial buses.