The Lagos State Government, through its special Taskforce, has arrested four individuals in connection with the recent attack on a Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, bus in the Orile area of the state.
The arrested suspects are Ibrahim Lawal, 35, Abati Daniel, 20, Ilesanmi Kazeem, 32, and Muhammed Ali, 30.
The incident occurred on August 13, 2024, when a group of suspected miscreants attacked a BRT bus traveling along the Orile-Alaba Suru route on Badagry Expressway.
The bus, carrying 35 passengers from Mile 2 to Leventis, was approaching the Ore-Ofe Bus Stop when a large mob suddenly surrounded it.
The attackers assaulted passengers, stabbing them with sharp objects, and robbed them of their phones and other valuables.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP, Olusola Oyewole of the Lagos State Police Command, alongside the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, Adetayo Akerele, announced the arrests on Wednesday while parading the suspects at the Taskforce Headquarters in Bolade Oshodi, Safety Arena.
According to Oyewole, the arrests were made following directives from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Fayoade Adegoke.
Also, the state Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, who descried the act, described it as “unacceptable and perpetrators must be brought to justice as deterrent to others.”
While addressing the media, Oyewole explained that, “The suspects vandalized the BRT Bus, attacked the passengers, maimed and robbed them of their valuables.
“The offence which was carried out in broad day light is highly condemnable and the suspects will be prosecuted accordingly upon completion of investigation.
“Meanwhile, efforts are on to arrest the fleeing suspects still at large for prosecution.”
Also speaking on the development, Akerele said, the suspects were arrested around Orile after he confessed which led to the arrest of other three suspects who carried out the dastardly act.
“In line with the zero tolerance against any form of criminality in the state, I can assure you that we will get others still at large for prosecution and bring all suspects to justice,” Akerele vowed
He assured residents of their safety on all public transportation platforms in Lagos State, saying that all necessary security steps are being taken to protect residents and visitors.
“The Lagos State Government will not stand by idly and allow such acts of lawlessness and illicit acts to continue in the state.
“Residents’ safety remained government’s top priority as security agencies are up to the task.
“There is no need for fear, we assure all commuters of their safety while traveling on all public transportation platforms in Lagos State,” Akerele affirmed.
He therefore, warned anyone considering engaging in such despicable acts to desist forthwith, as their action would not be tolerated under any circumstances and would be met with necessary force.
(allnews.ng)
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