By; RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos
The Lagos State Taskforce has reiterated its commitment to ridding the state of the menace of Okada operators who have devised new means of operating on the highways and restricted routes across the metropolis.
This was made known by the chairman of the agency, CSP Shola 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”.
“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 stated.
Jejeloye who led his officials across raids at CMS, Ebute Ero, ijora, Ikeja-Along, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway and Oshodi Bus Stop disclosed that the need to remind these operators of the stand of the State Government on their operations across Lagos was necessary, and no stone would be left unturned till okada operations across 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”
The Chairman promised to carry out more operations from dusk to dawn until the State’s vision on Transportation is completely attained and sustained.
In a release by Gbadeyan Abdulraheem
Director Press & Public Affairs of the agency, Jejeloye promised to arrest both rider and passenger caught violating 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 on the 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” He concluded.
