The Lagos State Government has impounded 81 commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, for plying restricted routes and endangering the lives of other road users at Jakande Estate, Isolo area of the State.
The Chairman, Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit, CSP Shola Jejeloye, who led the operation, stated that the seizure was in line with the Lagos State Traffic Law, as well as the need to halt its flagrant abuse by the Okada riders.
He noted that Government is concerned about the recklessness of some motorcyclists on restricted routes and it, therefore, became necessary to clamp down on them, not only to protect the lives of other road users but theirs as well.
While maintaining that the State Government would not fold its arms and allow Okada riders to create chaos for other roads users on prohibited routes, the Taskforce Chairman stated that it is crucial for the Task Force to prevent an increase in the trend of crimes perpetrated by some of the commercial motorcyclists in the metropolis, particularly on prohibited routes.
Jejeloye restated the Agency’s commitment to continue the clampdown on recalcitrant motorcyclists plying restricted routes, adding that the move would help safeguard the security of lives and property in the State.
The Chairman, however, called for the co-operation of Lagosians by desisting from boarding commercial motorcycles in prohibited areas, emphasising that the State Traffic Law is in the larger interest of the society.