In a shocking incident, a group of hoodlums attacked and robbed passengers aboard a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Lagos. The attack took place on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, in the Orile-Iganmu area, leaving many passengers in fear and distress.
One of the victims, Dare Abiola, shared his experience in a disturbing video. He revealed that the attack occurred around 1 p.m. The assailants, who pretended to be protesting the seizure of motorcycles by the state task force, ambushed the bus and stole valuables from passengers. Abiola recounted how the attackers snatched cash and belongings during the 20-30 minute ordeal, all while security personnel were nowhere to be found.
Abiola explained that he had boarded the BRT from Mile 2 heading to CMS. As the bus approached the Odunade bus stop, they noticed a gathering crowd, which later grew as the bus moved towards the Orile area. Upon reaching the Alafia bus stop near an NNPC fuel station, some individuals began smashing the bus’s windshield and windows. Abiola said he was threatened with a broken bottle before surrendering his bag and phone. The incident was later reported to the Orile police station, and footage showed the vandalized bus with voices of distressed passengers in the background.
Reacting to the incident, Mr. Idowu Oguntona, the Managing Director/CEO of Lagos Bus Services Limited (LBSL), condemned the attack. In a statement signed by Mr. Afolabi Olawale, the company’s Public Affairs Officer, Oguntona expressed the government’s resolve to prevent such acts of lawlessness. He assured the public that all necessary legal measures would be taken to protect the safety of commuters across Lagos.
“The bus was en route from Mile 2 to Leventis with 35 passengers when a mob suddenly attacked at the Oore-Ofe bus stop in the Orile area. The attackers assaulted passengers, stabbing them with sharp objects and robbing them of their phones and valuables,” Oguntona stated. He emphasized that these criminals, who are “agents of anarchy,” do not represent true Lagosians and should not be tolerated in a civilized society.
The Lagos State Government remains committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors. Commuters are urged not to panic as the government continues to reinforce security measures across all public transportation platforms.
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