By; RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos
Consequent upon the alleged murder of one David Imoh, a sound engineer in Lekki area of Lagos by some commercial motorcyclists popularly known as Okada riders, a total number of 10 suspects have been arrested over the incident by operatives of the Lagos State Taskforce.
It would be recalled that the incident happened last Thursday, when David, who was said to be a sound engineer, was on his way home from a club at Lekki Phase 1.
According to sources, the situation soon degenerated as more motorcyclists allegedly pounced on David and his friends, beating them till they became unconscious.
The operatives who were led by the Chairman of the Agency CSP Shola Jejeloye led in a raid operation also impounded no fewer than 123 motorbikes operating illegal on the axis.
The bikes were said to have been seized for plying the Lekki Epe Expressway, Lekki Phase 1 axis, Admiralty Way and its environs, operating on restricted routes and constituting nuisance in the state during the operation that lasted about four hours.
Speaking on the exercise, CSP. Jejeloye stressed that the agency carried out series of raids and seizures along the Lekki axis in the past, but unfortunately, the operators of commercial motorcycles have refused to turn over a new leaf, thus causing mayhem in the state, which resultant effect is worrisome.
Jejeloye further stated that the agency has been to this area severally to make arrests and seize some of the bikes plying oneway and restricted routes, but unfortunately “these Okada operators are found back on the same roads the following week. Some even put up resistance when apprehended because they see nothing wrong in what they are doing.”
“The murder of Mr. David by the suspected Okada men is a painful and tragic incident, hence the need to intensify our activities in the axis and in the state to ensure that the menace of Okada is brought to a complete halt and also prevent a reoccurrence of such an inhumane and barbaric act,” he stated.
The chairman also charged his men to be proactive as operation Kogberegbe is still in force and will be intensified within the metropolis in the coming days.
“Operation Kogberegbe which was launched as result of the menace of Okada operators will be reinforced in order to put an end to the nuisance caused by them. No stone will be left unturned this time in ensuring Lagosians are not intimidated while commuting in any part of the state. Enough is enough!”
CSP Jejeloye emphasised that the menace of Okada in the city is a threat to the security architecture of the state as most of these Okada riders are non Nigerians and have nothing at stake in case there is breakdown of law and order.
He therefore, enjoined all well meaning Lagosians to know that the fight against the menace of Okada is a collaborative effort between the Government and the people. While the Government will continually enforce the law, the people should also assist the State in keeping Okada off the highways by refraining from patronising them which will permanently keep them out of the illegal business.
The chairman appealed to Lagosians not to be jittery as a result of the incident as the agency is on top of its game in ensuring that any Okada operator found wanting will be made to face the wrath of the law.
He urged them to go about their businesses freely and avoid any form of altercation with okada operators in order to prevent anyone taking laws into his hands and carrying out an act that would be regretted later.
