By:Olasunkanmi Akoni
On Thursday, the Lagos State Taskforce impounded at least 253 commercial motorcycles, known as okadas, along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway and Mile-2 axis of the state for violating traffic laws.
Following multiple warnings from competent authorities, the okada riders were raided for operating on state highways and limited routes.
The huge exercise that took place along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway was planned by the Agency’s Chairman, Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, Shola Jejeloye, who said that these activities were a warning to obstinate okada operators to stop immediately.
Jejeloye identified the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway as a staging ground for okada operators who violate Lagos State traffic regulations by operating on that route, as well as the Apapa Local Government Area, which is one of the councils where okada activities are completely prohibited.
“We’ve traveled to this spot around twice due to the sensitivity of the corridor and the routes it connects.
“However, these okada operators and perpetrators of illegalities in our area have taken our leniency for granted, believing we are unaware of their actions.
“We startled them today (Thursday) by seizing all bikes that operate here. I’m sure they’d have received the message by now.”
The chairman condemned the okada operators’ behavior as vile due to their enormous numbers congregating along the Expressway, causing a nuisance and generating unnecessary jams on the route.
“Based on the number of motorcycles seized here, you can picture what this spot looks like during 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 then addressed illicit petroleum merchants who sell petrol on highways, warning them that their days are numbered.
He emphasized that the state taskforce would swoop in strongly on them until sanity and environmental decorum were restored in the area.
Jejeloye assured citizens that the agency will continue to enforce compliance measures throughout the state.
Source:VanguardNGR