Task force raids Lagos streets, impounds over 100 Okada
Officials of the Lagos State Task Force carried out raids in several areas in the metropolis on Thursday and impounded over 100 commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada. The task force said the operation became necessary following an attempt by Okada riders to reinitiate operations in areas like Apple Junction, Badagry Expressway and Berger despite […]
A member of the Task Force against social gatherings try to disperse sportsmen engaged in physical exercises at the to National Stadium, in Surulere in Lagos, on March 22, 2020. – Nigeria, the most populated country in Africa, on Saturday tightened restrictions in three states on places of worship, airports and bars to try and protect its population against the COVID-19 coronavirus. In Lagos state, Abuja and Ogun, churches, mosques, social gatherings, football viewing centres and night clubs must restrict attendance to 50 people, according to new regulations drawn up by the Presidential Task Force on the COVID-19 coronavirus. (Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI / AFP)
Officials of the Lagos State Task Force carried out raids in several areas in the metropolis on Thursday and impounded over 100 commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada.
The task force said the operation became necessary following an attempt by Okada riders to reinitiate operations in areas like Apple Junction, Badagry Expressway and Berger despite the ban on their activities.
However, the operation almost triggered off cross firing between the riders and the task force officials, as members of different transport unions, along with urchins, pelted the state government officials with stones.
A witness said, “The operation grounded vehicular movement at the popular Apple Junction leading to FESTAC Town and Ago-Palace Way.”
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The spokesman of the task force, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, who confirmed the operation, said the operation lasted several hours and was led by the Chairman of the agency, CSP Shola Jejeloye.
He further said, “Okada operations have been banned and banned for good. Its high time operators looked for a different line of legitimate work or had their bikes impounded and also risk fines or jail terms. There is no room for Okada operations in Lagos.”