Matilda Omonaiye/
Following a public outcry on the menace of commercial motorbike riders, the Lagos State Taskforce has warned that riders and passengers found on the highways and restricted routes will be prosecuted as it resumes Operation Kogberegbe to clamp down on offenders from tomorrow.
The Agency told NewsmakersNG in a statement today that the massive clampdown will begin tomorrow because of public outcry on Okada riders’ aggressiveness on the Lagos highways, arson, mob attack of innocent citizens that may cause a total breach of peace, unrestrained speed, total disregard to traffic rules and regulations.
“The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Agency (TASKFORCE) is set for total clamp down on all recalcitrant Okada operators on the restricted routes on Lagos Highways, to free the state from their menace and their unruly attitudes threatening the security architecture of the state as encapsulated in the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda of Mr. Governor,” The Agency’s Director, Public Affairs, Mr. Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, stated.
According to him, the Unit will embark on mass raids and confiscation of all Okada found on the highways, restricted routes, and prosecute both the rider and passengers who are culprits, with a view to achieving the State’s vision of zero tolerance for Okada operation.
Abdulraheem stated: “The Chairman of the State Taskforce, CSP. Shola Jejeloye made the statement today during the decoration of newly promoted officers attached to the Unit at the conference room of the Agency Headquarters, Safety Arena, Bolade, Oshodi, Lagos. He disclosed that within this year alone over 1,654 motorcycles known as Okada have been impounded at various locations of the State for plying restricted roads and violating the State Laws on its restrictions on major highways. He said that the Agency had taken her enforcement for compliance activities to Ogba, Cele-Ijesha Expressway, Jakande Estate Okeafa, Allen Avenue, Oshodi Mile 12, Ojodu Berger, Ketu Alapere, Agric in Ikorodu, Agege areas to mention but a few in the State within the first two weeks of January this year.
“CSP Jejeloye said that the restricted routes have been published severally to avoid unnecessary excuses of not being aware of the State laws on their restriction by Okada operators, but some of them chose to turn deaf ears, and all efforts put in place by the Enforcement Agency to sensitize, educate and enlighten them on the dangers of plying on the highways proved abortive. ‘’Hence, we have no reason not to match force with their aggressiveness and lawlessness this time around.
“The Chairman said that all the restricted routes will be closely monitored to rid the State of Okada riders’ menace which could lead to needless loss of lives and serious security challenges. The Chairman emphasized that this year’s Agency approach to tactical enforcement for compliance activities is a signal to all recalcitrant Okada riders and environmental laws offenders who circumvent Government rules and regulations as provided by the regulatory provision of the law, that Lagos is no longer a haven for them as both the offenders and culprit shall be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“Jejeloye maintained that the agency will not rest on its oars until all Okada Operators toe the line of best practices and the state is totally free from their menace. He further admonished all riders to maintain their lanes or risk arrest and subsequent crushing of their bikes.
‘‘Henceforth the agency will no longer look the other way or tolerate any act of indiscipline from illegal ticketing of Okada riders who are constituting nuisance on Lagos roads as the agency will begin to arrest and prosecute them for disrupting the free flow of traffic because of their illegal activities.
“The Chairman noted that these people have shown disregard for the State Environmental laws in the past which the resultant effects are worrisome. He warned Okada riders and other traffic offenders to desist from plying restricted routes to avoid being caught by the long arm of the law.
“We are not unaware of their activities in all the areas in Lagos Metropolis, especially the ones mentioned on Social Media. We have been there before and we will still come back to hit them hard, this time there will be a total clampdown till they learn to abide by the rules and regulations governing their operations in the State.”
Jejeloye reiterated that the State Taskforce under this dispensation is poised to take the state to greater heights through efficient, effective, prompt, and speedy response to any environmental and traffic challenges in order to promote a livable, serene environment and accident-free society. This is a task that must be completed and sustained.
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