The Lagos State Taskforce yesterday, impounded at least 253 commercial motorcycles, popularly called okada, along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, and Mile-2 axis of the state over violations of traffic laws.
The okada riders were raided for operating on state highways and restricted routes after several warnings by relevant authorities, reports Vanguard.
The extensive exercise whick took place along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway was orchestrated by the Chairman of the Agency, Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, Shola Jejeloye, who disclosed that these set of operations were warnings to recalcitrant okada operators to desist forthwith.
Jejeloye described Apapa-Oshodi Expressway as a take off point for okada operators who violate Lagos State traffic laws by operating on that particular highway and Apapa Local Government Area which is one of the councils where okada operations have been banned outrightly.
“We have been to this particular location about twice because of the sensitivity of the corridor and routes it connects.
“However, our leniency has been taken for granted by these okada operators and perpetrators of illegalities in this area who feel we are oblivious of their activities.
“We have surprised them today (Thursday) and confiscated all bikes that operate here. I am sure they would have gotten the message by now.”
The chairman described the activities of the okada operators as despicable as a result of their large numbers that congregate along the Expressway, thereby constituting nuisance and creating unnecessary bottlenecks on the highway.
“From the volume of motorcycles seized here you can imagine how this location looks like at rush hour.
“We have come to put an end to it so that Lagosians can have a breath of fresh air and commute along this axis peacefully.”
Jejeloye subsequently, addressed illegal merchants of petroleum products who deal in the sale of petrol on the highways, warning them to relocate as their days are numbered.
He stressed that the state taskforce would swoop in heavily on them till sanity and environmental decorum is restored to the area.
Jejeloye, assured residents that the agency would keep up with the continuous enforcement for compliance exercise across all nooks and crannies in the state.
