Policemen on the run as okada riders ‘resist raid’ in Lagos
Some motorcycle riders, popularly known as okada, in the Ikeja area of Lagos have resisted a raid by members of the state police task force.
A video shared by a Twitter user showed policemen on the run at Ikeja Along while a group of okada riders moved towards them.
It was gathered that the okada riders were resisting an attempt to arrest and impoundment their motorcycles by the police officers.
situations in Ikeja few hours ago between Police and bike men(Okada) pic.twitter.com/6Oul6AToiN
Advertisement— Mayowa Olagunju ❁ (@iam_doctormayor) November 18, 2020
This is happening about 24 hours after okada riders and members of the taskforce clashed along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.
This development is coming a few weeks after Nigerians protested against police brutality with the #EndSARS movement.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, had banned okada and tricycles in 15 local councils from February 1, citing “security and safety of lives of Lagosians”.
ORide, Max and Gokada, motorbike hailing services, and all forms of commercial motorcycles were also affected by the ban with commercial motorcycle riders lamenting that their source of livelihood has been shut down.
In 2017, Rotimi Amaechi, minister of transportation, advised governors against banning commercial motorcycles and tricycle because many Nigerians depend on them for survival.
“I don’t think we should ban okada because if we do, it will affect the economy; they only need to be trained to obey rules and regulations. The issue of security, safety and regulation should be dealt with at the state level; state governments should train okada riders,” Amaechi said at the time.
Attempts to reach Muyiwa Adejobi, spokesman of the Lagos police command, proved abortive as he did not respond to calls.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has advised motorist to take alternative routes to avoid loss of lives and properties.
#CivilUnrest #IkejaAlong
Please be advised, Civil Unrest at Ikeja Along, extreme caution must be taken. #DriveSafe #StaySafe Necessary agencies on to restore calm.@Gidi_Traffic @trafficbutter @TrafficChiefNG #FollowLastma pic.twitter.com/EojKj5IntKAdvertisement— LASTMA (@followlastma) November 18, 2020
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