By Rasaq Adebayo
The Lagos State Taskforce said it has deviced new strategy to get rid of commercial motorcycles (okada) off the Highways and other restricted areas having noticed the new means of operating by the okada riders on the restricted routes.
The Chairman of the Agency, CSP Shola Jejeloye said this, emphasising the decision o the Agency to get rid of okada on the Highways across the State to ensure safety of the commuters and the residents.
In a statement by Director of Press & Public Affairs, Lagos State Taskforce, Gbedeyan Abdulraheem, Jejeloye, who led series of week long operations across strategic locations where recalcitrant operators have been plying commercially but with the use of a different type of inconspicuous motorcylce popularly called “Lady Machine”, disclosed that the Agency has also deviced new strategies to tame them.
He said: “Some of these recalcitrant okada operators who had their bikes seized in the past have acquired these more portable types of bikes called lady machine to carry out their operations on the Highways. These bikes are sleek and more evasive but their antics are no match for us.”
Jejeloye, who led his officials across raids at CMS, Ebute Ero, ijora, Ikeja-Along, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway and Oshodi Bus Stop, stated that the need to remind the operators of the stand of the State Government on their operations across Lagos was necessary, reiterating that no stone would be left unturned till okada operations across the restricted routes are completely stamped out.
“Motor bikes with engine capacity below 200cc are not allowed to operate on the State Highways, therefore all forms of bikes that fall within that range, be it the normal okada or lady machine will be confiscated and crushed according to the provisions of the law,” he said.
The Chairman promised to carry out more operations from dusk to dawn until the State’s vision on transportation is completely attained and sustained.
He promised to arrest both rider and passenger caught violating the the laws governing vehicular operations on the Highways and restricted routes.
“We arrested 6 suspects including riders and passengers today at CMS and we will ensure that they face the full wrath of the law their violations. We hope that it would serve as a deterrent to others who intend riding or patronizing okada operators along these routes. Anyone caught would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,”
