The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) has impounded 1,654 motorcycles, popularly known as okada in the first two weeks in January.
Taskforce Chairman, CSP Shola Jejeloye disclosed this at the weekend in a statement issued by Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, Director, Public Affairs Unit, Taskforce.
Jejeloye said the agency was now ready to further clamp down on okada riders massively in reaction to public outcry on okada riders.
He said Taskforce has received reactions on okada’s aggressiveness on the Lagos highways, arson, mob attack of innocent citizens that might cause total breach of peace, unrestrained speed, total disregard to traffic rules and regulations,
Jejeloye said the outfit is set for total clamp down on all recalcitrant okada operators on the restricted routes on Lagos Highways, to free the state from their menace and their unruly attitudes threatening the security architecture of the State as encapsulated in the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“The Unit will embark on mass raid and confiscation of all Okada found on the highways, restricted routes and prosecute both the rider and passengers who are culprits, with a view to achieving the State’s vision of zero tolerance for Okada operation,” he said.
Speaking during decoration of newly promoted officers attached to the Unit at the conference room of the Agency Headquarters, Safety Arena, Bolade, Oshodi, the Taskforce chairman disclosed that within this year alone over 1,654 Okadas have been impounded at various locations of the state for plying restricted roads and violating the state’s laws on its restrictions on major highways.
He said that the Agency had taken her enforcement for compliance activities to Ogba, Cele-Ijesha Expressway, Jakande Estate, Oke-Afa, Allen Avenue, Oshodi, Mile 12, Ojodu Berger, Ketu, Alapere, Agric in Ikorodu, Agege, among others within the first two weeks in January this year.
Jejeloye said that the restricted routes had been published severally to avoid unnecessary excuses of not being aware of the State laws on their restriction, but that some of them chose to turn deaf ears.
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“All efforts put in place by the Enforcement Agency to sensitize, educate and enlighten them on the dangers of plying on the highways proved abortive. Hence, we have no reason not to match force with their aggressiveness and lawlessness this time around.’’ he said.
The Chairman said that all restricted routes would be closely monitored to rid the State of okada riders’ menace which could lead to needless loss of lives and serious security challenges.
The Chairman emphasised that this year’s agency approach to tactical enforcement for compliance activities was a signal to all recalcitrant okada riders and environmental laws offenders who circumvent government rules and regulations as provided by regulatory provision of the law, that Lagos is no longer a safe haven for them as both the offenders and culprits shall be made to face the full wrath of the law.
Jejeloye maintained that the agency would not rest on its oars until all okada operators tow the line of best practices and the state is totally free from their menace.
He further admonished all riders to maintain their lanes or risk arrest and subsequent crushing of their bikes.
‘‘Henceforth the agency will no longer look the other way or tolerate any act of indiscipline from illegal ticketers of okada riders who are constituting nuisance on Lagos roads as the agency will begin to arrest and prosecute them for disrupting the free flow of traffic as a result of their illegal activities,’’ he said.
The chairman noted that these people have shown disregard for the state environmental laws in the past which the resultant effects are worrisome.
He warned okada riders and other traffic offenders to desist from plying restricted routes to avoid being caught by the long arm of the law.
“We are not unaware of their activities in all the areas in Lagos metropolis, especially the ones mentioned on social media. We have been there before and we will still come back to hit them hard, this time there will be a total clampdown till they learn to abide by the rules and regulations governing their operations in the State,” Jejeloye stated.
The CSP reiterated that the State Taskforce, under this dispensation is poised to take the State to greater heights through efficient, effective, prompt and speedy response to any environmental and traffic challenges in order to promote a liveable, serene environment and accident free society.
