- Vows crushing will continue until violation abates
The Lagos State Government crushed 1,500 apprehended commercial motorcycles popularly called okada in a renewed onslaught against okada operation in the 10 Local Governments and 15 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi who disclosed this on Monday, while supervising the crushing of the motorcycles at the Taskforce Yard, Alausa, Ikeja, said this is in line with government’s commitment to safety and security of lives and property.
He said the exercise is an indication that the government is not rescinding its decision to apprehend, impound and crush recalcitrant motorcycles plying all restricted areas.
Osiyemi further emphasized that beyond the crushing, any okada operators, riders and passengers alike, caught plying all the restricted routes risk three years imprisonment if apprehended in line with the Transport Sector Reform Law, (TSRL) 2018.
“The ban on Okada in specified areas is crucial for maintaining order, reducing risks associated with unauthorized motorcycle operation and also improve security,” Osiyemi said.
The prohibited Local Government Areas include; Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Somolu, Mushin, Apapa, Ikeja, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Surulere and Eti-Osa.
The Local Council Development Areas under them which the ban also covered includes; Ojodu, Onigbongbo, Lagos Island East, Yaba and Coker Aguda. Others are; Itire-Ikate, Eti-Osa West, Iru Victoria Island, Ikoyi-Obalende, Ikosi-Isheri, Agboyi-Ketu, Isolo, Ejigbo, Bariga and Odi-Olowo.
The Transportation Commissioner urged okada operators to obey the ban order in the prohibited areas, adding that Okada is not a safe means of commercial transportation and does not fit into the transport policy of the State.
Also present at the crushing exercise are the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa and other Officials of the Ministry.