In a disturbing incident along Sapele Road in Benin, the capital of Edo State, an unnamed commercial bus driver is reportedly evading authorities after purportedly setting a member of the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) ablaze.
Reports indicate that the driver, operating a bus with registration number Osun FFE 145 XA, violated a traffic regulation at Adesua junction along Sapele Road last Friday and was subsequently apprehended.
According to an EDSTMA officer, the situation escalated when attempts were made to detain the driver, who responded violently.
Eyewitnesses recounted that upon being directed to accompany the vehicle to the EDSTMA office, the driver disrobed, retrieved a container of petrol from his vehicle, doused the officer, and ignited the fire. Despite efforts to reach the EDSTMA spokesperson, Roland Owolabi, no response was received.
However, a circulating video on social media, featuring images of the vehicle involved, captured a man believed to be an EDSTMA official detailing the events. He stated, “The driver committed a traffic violation, and upon apprehension by officers of the Zone 2 enforcement team, he resisted arrest and engaged in physical altercations.”
“Subsequently, one of the officers was tasked with transporting the bus to the base. However, the driver resorted to extreme measures, pouring petrol on the officer and setting him ablaze. Presently, the officer is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Benin City, while the bus driver remains at large.”