Why we embarked on enforcement operation – Lagos Task Force
We impounded 480 okadas in five days -CP Lagos
Joy Anyim
The Lagos State Environment and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Taskforce), has explained why it embarked on massive clampdown of Okada riders in the state.
His explanation followed widespread criticism over why the Agency embarked on enforcement operation at a time the state is trying to return to normalcy following the #EndSARS unrest.
Speaking during an exclusive chat with The Nigerian Xpress, the Head of Public Affairs Unit, Lagos State Taskforce, Adebayo Taofiq said the enforcement operation which has turned violent was necessitated by series of complaints of robberies perpetrated by Okada riders early in the morning and late at night.
Taofiq stated that following the #EndSARS unrest, motorists and Okada riders have continued to violate the Lagos State Government Traffic Laws, believing they are now above the law.
He said series of meetings and sensitization were held for the riders to persuade them to desist from plying restricted routes including lanes dedicated for Bus Rapid Transit(BRT) buses and driving against traffic, for their own safety.
The Agency’s Spokesperson reiterated that no responsible and responsive government will tolerate the impunity and lawlessness perpetrated by motorists and Okada riders in the state.
He said: “ Following the #EndSARS protest across the state, we have received complaints from members of public about the activities of these Okada riders, using their bikes to rob and dispossess members of the public of their valuables at both early in the morning and late at night. We want them to understand that there is a law in Lagos State, that regulates the activities of Okada riders.
“ They are now everywhere operating with impunity, driving against traffic (one-way), carrying three to four passengers, as if there is no law in the state. We are now back on the road to bring Lagos back to its glory, to set Lagos free from the hands of all these criminal elements now ceasing the opportunity of #EndSARS protest to disturb members of the public.”
Commenting on.the attacks on operatives by the riders, Taofiq said the riders had vandalised several operational vehicles, and injured a Paramilitary official attached to the Agency.
He maintained that the enforcement operation was needed to keep Lagos safe as there have been intelligence on foreigners invading the state, in a bid to unleash mayhem.
“ So at Second Rainbow on Tuesday, we impounded 74 bikes, and the riders mobilised their members and attacked the Taskforce because they wanted us to release their bikes. They broke our vehicles and even injured a paramilitary officer attached to Taskforce. He is currently at a hospital in Ikeja, receiving treatment.
“ Again on Wednesday at Ikeja, operatives were attacked. All these were done because they wanted us to release their bikes to them. This is despite series of warnings to them. We held meetings with the Chairmen of the Unions that coordinate Okada riders in the state. We also had stakeholders meetings with them and their representatives.
“We warned them to desist, that the Lagos State Government is not totally banning them but saying they should not only restricted routes. It is for their own safety, but they kept deaf ears to the advice and sensitization. When we approaches their executives, the information given to us was that all those that ply restricted routes are not their members and not even Nigerians.
“ That they came from West African countries to Nigeria and then Lagos to start driving Okada. Don’t forget the crisis that is going on in the North East, where everyone is migrating. Just if recent, we accosted a truck loaded with rams, but below the rams were 174 motorcycles migrating to Lagos from Jigawa. They said they were going to LASU -Ojo area, ” he said
Stating that the Agency will not relent in it lawful duty, Taofiq said : “ It is high time we enforce this law and the only Agency that can do that for now is the Lagos State Taskforce. So we have to face them an eye for en eye, no retreat, no surrender, until they comply with the laws of the state. ”
Meanwhile, 26 Okada riders were arrested for their alleged involvement in the attack of officials of the Agency at Ikeja Along area of Lagos-Abeokura expressway.
A source who spoke on the attack said the riders gave the Taskforce officials a hot chase, throwing stones, planks, and bottles at them. The source said the officials had in a bid to avert crisis, retreated.
The riders reportedly took over the road, setting up burn fire, and threatening to deal with any operative, who attempts to stop them from carrying passengers, alleging they pay monies for ticket daily, to operate on highways.
Also the Commissioner of Police (CP), Lagos State Police Command, Hakeem Odumosu, has stated that a tital of 480 motorcycles were impounded between November 12th and 16th, for various traffic offences.
Odumosu warned that henceforth, any motorists, tricyclist or Okada riders, who ply the BRT lanes will be arrested and charged to court, while their vehicles and bikes will be fortfieted to the Lagos State Government.
He also warned vehicle owners, who are in the habit of fixing their faulty vehicles on the road, thereby causing traffic. He said anyone found doing this will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
The CP further stated that the use of siren and covered plate numbers remains a criminal offence in the state, as none will be spared.
