By Daniel Edu
A video circulating on social media captures a group of Nigerian army personnel engaging in physical confrontation with a member of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Monday, August 14th, 2023, within the Ojota vicinity of Lagos state.
In the viral footage, the soldiers are observed aggressively confronting and physically assaulting an unidentified LASTMA official who can be seen tearfully pleading for leniency.
This incident occurs a week subsequent to an episode wherein a LASTMA staff member was recorded assaulting a soldier within a commonly used commercial vehicle known as a ‘Danfo’ in the Ketu region of the state.
In response to the attack on one of their fellow servicemen, a contingent of uniformed individuals descended upon the Ojota area, subjecting the on-duty LASTMA personnel in the vicinity to severe beatings.
Bystanders can be observed scattering for safety as the military personnel unleash their aggression on the LASTMA staff member, who desperately appeals for assistance throughout the distressing encounter.
In a separate incident, the residence of Eze Kanu Ikenolu, a traditional leader from the Ndia Iche Arondizuogu community within the Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, was deliberately set on fire by unidentified gunmen.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the attackers infiltrated the traditional ruler’s palace using explosive devices, igniting a fire that engulfed the premises and resulted in extensive damage to the structure, possessions, and vehicles situated within the compound.
Local community members have reported substantial losses amounting to millions of currency units, attributing blame to the local police force for their alleged failure to promptly respond to distress calls issued by the community during the unfortunate incident.
