A warning banner directed at officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) at the Iyana Oworo area of Lagos has elicited mixed reactions from motorists and social media users.
The banner bears the message: “Attention, Iyana Oworo LASTMA, you’ve been marked. Be warned – from concerned youths.”
Investigations conducted revealed that numerous motorists have expressed concerns about alleged extortion and harassment by LASTMA officials in that area.
Members of the public have informed The Nation that certain traffic officials are allegedly colluding with plainclothes individuals to apprehend and extort money from drivers who drop off passengers at the Iyana Oworo location.
Reacting, Samuel Egbedara on Twitter wrote: “Lagos State Traffic Management Authority officers at Iyana Oworo Lagos Nigeria are ambushing vehicles, is that their job role?”
Another user, Nikky said: “The LASTMA at Iyana Oworo needs rehabilitation center… always harassing people.”
Tayo Bisuga said: “This needs to be looked into. The Lastma officials at Iyana oworo have gained notoriety for extortion of innocent motorists. The lastma hierarchy should sensitize their officers. We don’t want chaos in Oworonshoki”
“@followlastma officials at Iyana oworoshoki are something else all they all they does it’s to arrest so they can get money from you, And the most funniest thing is that some of them don’t know the reason why they are doing the job all they are after is the money.” @brokurtor said.
The agency was yet to react to the threat as at time of report.
However, the agency had noted that those complaining could be traffic lawbreakers who commit infractions such as picking up/dropping off passengers or friends by the roadside thereby causing obstructions.
