Lagos State Task Force on Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences (Task Force) yesterday, impounded 497 motorcycles (popularly called okada) along the Lagos-Badagry expressway.
The agency said the arrests were to ensure public safety and uphold laid down traffic rules and regulations on the state’s highways, bridges, and other restricted routes.
The operation, led by the chairman of the agency, CSP Shola Jejeloye, also covered Doyin Bus Stop, Alakija, Iyana Iba, Igbo-Elerin, Festac Link Bridge, and Igando.
Jejeloye described the activities of okada operators, especially along the Lagos-Badagry expressway, as reckless. He said: “Okada operators here are the cause of major accidents and a big threat to the security architecture of the state along this route, especially the ones you see facing oncoming vehicles directly.
“It is complete madness and I recommend that anyone caught in the act be subjected to a psychiatric evaluation.” The chairman reiterated the importance of complying with traffic regulations and warned erring riders along restricted routes to desist immediately. He said: “Failure to adhere to these regulations will result in the impoundment of motorcycles, and possible jail terms.
“We will make these operations a continuous endeavour until all restricted routes and highways are free from the menace of okada. We, therefore, urge the cooperation of all stakeholders, including riders and members of the public, in achieving this goal and ensuring the safety and orderliness of all.” Jejeloye assured Lagosians that the tactical superiority of the agency would suppress the excesses of okada riders.
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