Worried by non-compliance with the lockdown order by motorists, especially interstate commercial transporters, Lagos State Government on Saturday scaled up its enforcement of the lockdown directive by impounding 20 vehicles and several motorbikes for violation.
The enforcement team, comprising operatives of the State Task Force, LASTMA, officers of the Nigeria Police Force and personnel of the Ministry of Transportation, enforced the order on Ikorodu Road, Ojota, Jibowu, Ebute-Metta, Otto and Iddo corridor among other places.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Toyin Fayinka, who led the operation, said the enforcement was effected on the order of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to stem the increase in the flagrant disobedience of the lockdown directive issued by the government to curb the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic in the State.
He said, “The enforcement team intercepted and impounded about 20 vehicles and 15 motorbikes for being on the road without having cogent reasons or collecting necessary movement permit forms from State authorities as required”.
“Some of the impounded vehicles included interstate commuter buses belonging to some transport companies located at Jibowu on Lagos/Ikorodu road. Others are IVECO truck, Volvo truck, KIA Salon car, Siena Space bus as well as Commercial Danfo buses among others”, he added.
Fayinka noted the State Government’s concern about non-compliance with the lockdown order, warning residents to obey the stay-at-home directive, embrace social distancing and personal hygiene to support the government efforts at curbing the spread of the highly contagious virus.
The Special Adviser expressed worry that Lagos State recorded as much as 80 confirmed cases in one day, stressing the need to strengthen enforcement of the stay-at-home order in the interest of the public.
He, however, solicited the total support and cooperation of the residents to win the fight against COVID-19 in order to avert the looming danger inherent in the further spread of the deadly disease, assuring that the State Government would not relent in its house to house testing to further prevent community-based spread.
Frowning at the involvement of some law enforcement agents in the violation of the lockdown directive, Fayinka reiterated that the State government would not hesitate in enforcing the law on any individual or group that attempts to frustrate the on-going efforts to contain the spread of the killer disease.
The Special Adviser reiterated that the enforcement exercise was going to be a continuous exercise, adding that any vehicle impounded for violating the order would not be released until after the lockdown period.
Other top government officials involved in the operation included the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Oluseyi Whenu, LASTMA General Manager, Engr. Olajide Oduyoye and Director of Transport Operations in the State, Engr. Afeez Toriola among others.