On Monday morning, a driver avoiding arrest by traffic officers murdered two road sweepers on the Gbagada-Oshodi expressway in Lagos State.
According to eyewitnesses, the fleeing car crashed into two members of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) at their duty post by the roadside while being pursued by officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
Passers-by and cars took to the streets to protest the killing of the street sweepers.
Security agents including policemen have since arrived at the scene and tear-gassed protesters in an attempt to disperse them and quell the situation.
Meanwhile, LAWMA confirmed the death of the two sanitation workers in a statement on Monday.
“LAWMA is working with security agencies to apprehend and prosecute the errant driver of the car, with vehicle number EPE 984 DV,” the statement read.
“We wish to appeal to motorists for the umpteenth time, to drive with utmost caution on the highways, to avoid sad incidents like this happening to our sanitation workers or anyone in the course of their legitimate duties.
“The public is urged to remain calm as appropriate steps are being taken and necessary measures put in place.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to the families of the deceased, whom we love most dearly. May their souls continue to rest in peace.”
VIDEO: Gbagada Expressway under gridlock after driver hit two LAWMA sweepers due to a chase from a LASTMA team.
Hoodlums had hijacked the incident but a team of police was dispatched to quell the situation. pic.twitter.com/5whx1CgsZ5
— Moji Sensei Delano (@MojiDelanoBlog) November 13, 2023
Two dead after Lastma officer chased a driver to hit two lawma officials in Gbagada axis Lagos ? pic.twitter.com/woEKkIPx3A
— Henry Blessing (@Henrybg28) November 13, 2023