Operatives of the Lagos State Taskforce, on Tuesday, carried out simultaneous enforcement against motorcycle operators, popularly called “okada” in some parts of the state over illegal operations.
At least 164 okadas were impounded during the sting operations.
The enforcement which lasted about six hours and carried out based on the instruction and directive of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP, Adegoke Fayoade, took place at: Badagry Expressway, Mile 2, Second Rainbow Bus Stop, V-Naija Bus Stop, Alabasuru and Berger Bus Stop where recalcitrant okada operators had carried on with their illegal activities.
Speaking on the incident, the Chairman of Agency, Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, Adetayo Akerele, disclosed that most of the operators were under the impression that it would be business as usual where the agency often carry out single operation, “but that is not the case anymore.”
Akerele vowed that the long arm of the law would catch up with operators who managed to evade arrest if they do not turn over a new leaf.
The chairman further stated that some okada operators are hiding under the guise of the bikes belonging to soldiers or are operated by soldiers in the vicinity in a bid to evade arrest when caught in the act.
He stressed that there would be no sacred cows when it comes to sanitizing the highways and restricted routes where okada operations have fully been banned by the state fovernment.
“We encountered some form of resistance from okada operators who claimed that the bikes belong to soldiers therefore are untouchable.
“I quickly cleared their doubt and used it as means to sound a note of warning that there are no sacred cows when it comes to restoring sanity on our roads,” Akerele stated.
The impounded okada were subsequently, taken to the taskforce headquarters where they will be taken to crushing plant for destruction.
He reiterated the commitment of the State Government in upholding the Road Transport Sector Reform Laws of 2018 where it is clearly stated that okada operations are prohibited on all highways in the State.
The chairman further reminded uniform personnel who make use of okada as a means of transportation to and fro their beat to ensure that they are fully kitted in their regalia while on a bike and the only passenger allowed to be on a bike with them is another uniform personnel who is fully kitted.
He therefore, appealed to commuters to desist from patronizing okada operators who not only pose safety risks to the passenger and rider but also a security risk to all resident due to the use of okada as a quick getaway means by criminal elements.
Akerele assured residents that the activities of okada operations will be a thing of the past as the agency will leave no stone unturned till they comply to all traffic rules and regulations of the State.
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