The Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Shola Jejeloye has warned road users and recalcitrant okada operators who contravene the States Traffic Law by plying highways and restricted routes.
He gave the warning during a clampdown exercise at Mile 2 axis of Lagos where 132 commercial motorcycles were impounded for operating illegally and constituting a nuisance to the environment.
Jejeloye stated that the recalcitrant okada operators who had returned to some parts of the State’s highways to carry on with their illegal activities are under the false impression that the State Government had relaxed the ban on illegal operations across the State.
He said, “The ban on the operations of okada on the highways and restricted routes across the State is still very much in place and we must ensure that the law is upheld”.
CSP Jejeloye further stated that some of the okada operators around Cele Bus Stop had attacked police officers who were enforcing the law on okada operations last week which led to the death of a Police Inspector.
“This is not the first time we are experiencing such violent reactions from this set of individuals who feel they can take laws into their own hand. We have made a couple of arrests during this operation and they will all be made to face the full wrath of the law. It will no longer be business as usual” Jejeloye stated.
The Chairman, however, appealed to Lagosians who patronise okada operators to desist forthwith or risk jail term, adding that the laws governing the Transport Sector of the State had been put in place by the State Government to ensure the safety and security of all commuters.
“There will be more operations to maintain sanity on our roads and inner streets in the coming day. I appeal to all motorists to be patient while on the road and ensure that every traffic rule obeyed is for the benefit of every road user”, Jejeloye started.