There was pandemonium on Tuesday, June 7, as some motorcyclists, popularly known as okada riders, and Lagos state Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Task Force) reportedly clashed at the Idi-Araba area of the state.
The clash started after operatives of the Lagos state task force visited the region to enforce the recent restriction on okada riders by the Lagos state government, according to a source.
The source added that operatives of the task force were said to have seized motorcycles along an expressway in the area.
It was earlier reported that the Lagos state government banned commercial okada (motorcycle) operations in some locations since June 1, 2022.
The affected local government areas are Apapa, Eti Osa, Ikeja, Lagos Island, Surulere and Lagos Mainland, Daily Post reports.
Thousands of motorcycles had already been seized by the state’s task force, and these impounded motorcycles are routinely crushed in open spaces, according to reports.
The state’s police public relations officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, denied reports that a fight ensued between the okada riders and security personnel.
“The task force team went well prepared. They (riders) were just causing a scene after task force left with some of their impounded motorcycles,” he said.
Hundeyin added that the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and operatives from the area command have been drafted to the neighbourhood to ensure the safety of residents.