LASTCOC clarifies viral Lagos truck attack video, calls for calm

By Godwin Oritse

THE Lagos State Truck and Cargo Operators Committee, LASTCOC, has reacted to a viral video of an attack on a truck that came under attack recently by suspected extortionists saying that “incident involved two seemingly respectable citizens who allegedly had a third-party liability dispute with the truck.”

In a statement by the Chairman of LASTCOC, Alhaji Shittu Lukman said that parties involved in the decided to take the laws into their hands rather than allow the law to take its course.

Lukman disclosed that the truck involved has been taken to Maroko Police Station, where the matter is receiving the attention of the Nigeria Police for a thorough investigation.

Part of the statement reads:”Following the circulation of a viral video showing a truck surrounded by individuals who appeared to be non-state actors around the 1004 area of Lagos, I immediately took it upon myself, in my capacity as Chairman of LASTCOC, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“This became necessary because the 1004 axis is not known to be one of the identified red zones for truck extortion in Lagos State.

“Our preliminary findings indicate that the incident involved two seemingly respectable citizens who allegedly had a third-party liability dispute with the truck. Rather than allowing the matter to be handled through the appropriate legal channels, they appear to have taken the law into their own hands, resulting in the confrontation captured in the viral video.

“We therefore urge members of the trucking community and the general public to remain calm and refrain from drawing premature conclusions until the police conclude their investigation.

“We also use this opportunity to encourage all truck operators to promptly report any incident of extortion, harassment, or intimidation to the LASTCOC team for swift intervention and appropriate action.

“LASTCOC remains committed to ensuring a safe, lawful, and extortion-free operating environment for all truckers in Lagos State.”

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