Impounded okadas

By Benson Michael

The operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce) at the weekend impounded another 100 commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada for plying restricted routes.

The Chairman of the Agency, CSP Shola Jejeloye who led the enforcement exercise disclosed that the 100 okadas were impounded around Navy Town at Alakija, 2nd Rainbow and Festac Town.

He maintained that the enforcement operation was carried out to halt the abuse of traffic laws by okada operators.

According to him, “The discouraging high statistic of motorcycle accidents and the compelling need to enhance safety on Lagos roads led to the promulgation of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reformed Law 2018.”

CSP Jejeloye said, apart from criminals using okadas as a means to escape after criminal activities, the influx into the State of these illegal motorcyclists without any traceable address and valid means of identification remains a huge security and safety threat to residents.

“In accordance with the Law, every motorcycle operators must wear crash helmets, be above 18 years, not ride on kerb/median/road-setbacks, avoid restricted routes, not carry more than one passenger/pregnant woman/adult with baby/child below 12 years, not install any musical gadgets, must wear apron, not operate beyond 10pm, operate with a rider’s permit and have their motorcycle registered with Government” he added.

While warning the general public, especially motorists to ensure that their valuable items are safely kept while in traffic, the Chairman solicited the cooperation of all residents in providing useful security information about criminal activities around them to security agencies through the Lagos State free Emergency Toll Lines 112 or 767.