Lagos Impounds 74 Motorcycles, Seeks to Restrict “Okada” Drivers

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The Lagos State government has read the riot act to commercial motorcycles, popularly known okada, and tricycle riders, stressing that the ban restricting them from plying major highways is still in force. The government warned the drivers to ply only the approved routes in the state.

This warning is coming on the heels of the fracas which rocked Ikeja on Wednesday when scores of Okada riders clashed with the personnel of Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce) during enforcement of 2012 Lagos State Traffic Rules.

The taskforce had impounded about 74 motorcycles caught plying major highways and driving against the traffic on “one way” roads. The incident, which occurred in the morning hours, caused panic in the axis as the riders went on rampage with many road users scampering for safety.

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The incident was an offshoot of a clash between the riders and Lagos Taskforce which occurred in Amuwo-Odofin and Mile 2 areas of Lagos on Tuesday. This was as the task force officers reportedly seized over 70 motorcycles around Second Rainbow, Festac Town over infraction of traffic laws, which resulted in a clash between the personnel and the commercial motorcycle riders.

Speaking on Thursday, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Frederic Oladeinde warned that anyone flouting the directive will be charged under the transport sector reform law of Lagos, 2018 and motorcyclists found guilty will face the maximum penalty prescribed by the court of law.

He advised motorists not to drive against traffic as anyone caught will face a penalty and be charged to the court of law.

Below is the list of restricted areas for operations of Okada and tricycle riders in Lagos:

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS

Apapa LGA

Lagos Mainland LGA

Surulere LGA

Ikeja LGA

Eti-Osa LGA

Lagos Island LGA

Also Read: Lagos Drivers Forfeit 31 Vehicles to Government Over Traffic Offences

LOCAL COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT AREAS

Apapa Iganmu LCDA