The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority has strongly condemned the assault of one of its monitoring officers by some commuters attempting to evade full fare payment on a Bus Rapid Transit bus.
LAMATA’s spokesperson, Kolawole Ojelabi, revealed in a statement on Wednesday that the incident occurred when passengers traveling from Abule Egba, who were supposed to alight at the National Bus Stop, instead tapped out at Ikeja Along and remained on the bus in an attempt to cheat the system.
“When the monitoring officer resisted their actions, they attacked him, tearing his clothes, damaging his phone and bag, and leaving him with a swollen eye,” Ojelabi said.
The agency decried the increasing attacks on its staff while they carry out their official duties, warning that such acts would not be tolerated.
“We will not tolerate any attack on our staff, and those caught will face the full weight of the law. Our staff have the right to work in an abuse-free environment,” Ojelabi stated.
LAMATA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a smooth and transparent public transport system in Lagos while urging commuters to adhere to regulations and treat transport workers with respect.
