By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Tough times await commercial motorcycle operators in Lagos who have refused to stay away from prohibited highways and expressways despite the directive by the state government.
The Lagos State Taskforce, in a statement, said it would cripple their operations and bring sanity to the roads.
Last week, the agency embarked on a week-long raid on operators of commercial motorcycles popularly known as okada riders.
The taskforce, led by its chairman, Mr Shola Jejeloye, a chief superintendent of police (CSP), said the illegal activities of okada riders along some highways in the metropolis have continually put the lives of commuters along those areas in harm’s way.
“We have taken it upon ourselves to end okada operations in the state and we are putting all mechanisms in place to ensure we achieve this goal.
“There is a ban on their activities along selected routes and local government areas in Lagos therefore they should not be allowed to operate as they please,” he said.
Mr Jejeloye further stated during the operation, his men seized about 344 motorbikes in Abule Ado, Lagos Island, Berger/Grammar School and Abule Egba.
“There will be no sacred cows in the enforcement of okada operations in the state, therefore, any uniform man caught conveying passengers on a bike for commercial purposes will be thoroughly dealt with.
“We should be the ones setting the right examples, not breaking them. It will no longer be business as usual,” the police officer stated, warning stubborn okada operators not to test the might of enforcement compliance of the agency as it is more determined than ever to eradicate their activities for good.
“It is our resolve in Y2024 to ensure that the terminal end of every enforcement is the court. The fixed mindset of all environmental and traffic violators who think they can get away with every infraction through man-know-man or godfatherism will not be tolerated. Enough is enough,” he added.
