Security agencies led by the police yesterday showed force in preparednes to effect the total ban of Commercial motorcycle operators (Okada riders) in four additional local government areas and respective local government councils in the areas. The enforcement order will start today, September 1.
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 during 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 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, paramilitary organizations with the police as the lead agency,went round the four LGAs, warning Okada riders to adhare strictly to the government restriction order or face the music. The security agencies latter returned to Lagos State Police command, Ikeja, where they took proper briefings on operational order from Commissioner of Police Mr Abiodun Alabi .
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Benjamin Hundeyin,said, “as total enforcement on motorcycles commences in additional four LGAs tomorrow, September 1, 2022, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Abiodun Alabi, warns that violators of the ban will be promptly arrested and prosecuted. Law abiding citizens are enjoined to go about their lawful duties without fear of harassment or intimidation.
The four LGAs and the LCDAs under them include:KOSOFE,Ikosi-Isheri LCDA,Agboyi-Ketu LCDA,OSHODI, Isolo LCDA,Ejigbo LCDA
SHOMOLU Bariga LCDA,Mushin,Odi-Olowo LCDA
The CP has warned members of the public not to patronise Okada riders on the restricted areas as the Force would arrest any Okada rider and its’ passenger on the restricted areas.
