The Lagos State Government has said it is going to crack down hard and bring down the full weight of the law on criminal elements who are fond of attacking and vandalising BRT buses in the state.
Mr. Idowu Oguntona, the Managing Director/CEO of Lagos Bus Services Limited (LBSL), made this known during an interactive session with the press today at the LBSL headquarters in Ilupeju.
Addressing the incident that prompted this stern warning, Mr. Oguntona recounted the attack on one of the company’s buses by hoodlums, adding that these criminals vandalised the bus and caused panic among the passengers.
He said, “Such behaviour is inhumane, intolerable, and totally unacceptable. The Lagos State Government will not stand idly by and allow such acts of lawlessness and illicit acts to continue”.
Mr. Oguntona stated that the bus, which was travelling from Mile 2 to Leventis, was approaching the Ore-Ofe bus stop on the Orile axis with 35 passengers on board when a large mob suddenly emerged and swarmed the bus. The attackers assaulted passengers, stabbed them with sharp objects, and robbed them of their phones and other valuables.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that those responsible for this heinous act are punished, adding that these agents of anarchy have no place in any decent society.
The MD assured Lagosians that their safety remains the Lagos State Government’s top priority, and security agencies are actively pursuing the perpetrators of this crime. He issued a stern warning to anyone who might consider engaging in such despicable acts, noting that their actions would no longer be tolerated under any circumstances.
“The Lagos State Government is committed to taking all necessary legal steps to protect residents and visitors. There is no need for fear; we assure all commuters of their safety while travelling on all public transportation platforms in Lagos State”, Oguntona assured.