A day after the announced ban on the activities of motorcyclist, Okada, in some parts of Lagos, Task Force operatives in the state have allegedly started illegal raids in some unrestricted parts of the state.
According to reports, the Lagos Task Force stormed Alakuko, Alagbado in Ojokoro LGA of Lagos state (which is not part of the restricted areas) and arrested about 32 Okada and 18 tricycles.
A report by daily post has it that many commercial motorcycle and tricycle drivers were crying, lamenting over the forceful seizure of the bikes.
Some said they got the bikes on credit and that they have not paid for their bikes, saying they were taken unaware as the February 1st announced by the government has not reached.
On Tuesday, the Task Force continued their raid in Ikeja and Agege, carting away many motorcycles and tricycles.
On Monday, the Lagos state government has announced embargo on the operations of commercial motorcycle and tricycles in six local government areas and nine local council development areas starting from February 1st, 2020.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, said the government took the decision to ban the operation of Okada and tricycles due to the havoc they cause in those communities.
The statement reads:
“After a robust assessment of the debate on what has been widely referred to as the Motorcycle (Okada) and Tricycle (Keke) Menace, the Lagos State Government and the State Security Council have decided that the security and safety of lives of Lagosians are paramount.