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By Christopher Oji
Security agencies, led by the police, yesterday showed force in readiness to effect the total ban of Commercial motorcycle operators (Okada riders) in four additional local government areas (LGAs) and respective local government councils (LCDAs) in the areas. The enforcement order starts today.
The security agencies have, therefore, warned Okada riders to steer clear of the restricted areas or risk their wrath. The Lagos State government had announced a ban on the operations of commercial motorcyclists, called Okada, in four additional LGAs of the state and six LCDAs.
The state’s Commissioner for Transportation, Frederic Oladeinde, announced the second phase of the ban at a press briefing, penultimate Thursday. The additional LGAs are Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Shomolu, and Mushin, while the affected LCDAs are Ikosi-Isheri, Agboyi-Ketu, Isolo, Ejigbo, Bariga and Odi-Olowo. Mr Oladeinde explained that the decision was carried out to improve the peace and security of the residents.
“The governor has approved the ban of Okada in another four LGAs and six LCDAs for the second phase of the total ban in addition to the ongoing ban in the six LGAs,” the commissioner said.
On May 18, following several complaints over the growing menace and nuisance constituted by Okada riders, Governor Sanwo-Olu imposed a fresh ban on the operations in six local governments and nine LCDAs to curtail the unruly activities of the riders.
The latest affected areas are: Kosofe, Ikosi-Isheri, Oshodi -Isolo, Mushin, including respective LCDs in the areas. The combined team of security agencies, including the army, traffic management agencies and paramilitary organisations with the police as the lead agency, went round the four LGAs, warning Okada riders to adhere strictly to the government’s restriction order or face the music. The security agencies later returned to Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, where they took proper briefings on operational order from the Commissioner of Police, Mr Abiodun Alabi.
The CP warned members of the public not to patronise Okada riders on the restricted areas as the Force would arrest any Okada rider and the passenger on the restricted areas.
