Okada Ban: Police Begin Clampdown

The police at Area ‘G’, Ogba, Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria, on Tuesday began to enforce the  state Traffic Law banning commercial motorcyclists popularly known as okada riders  from operating in 475 roads in the state.

The operation was led by the Area ‘G’ Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP, Mr. Abdulahi Daubaruba Ishola.

Hundreds of okada riders were arrested around Ogba, Pen Cinema and Iju areas of the state. Their motorcycles were impounded and taken to the police station.

When P.M.NEWS visited Area ‘G’ Command headquarters, the seized motorcycles were seen parked at the premises while the riders gathered at the entrance of the gate, discussing their plight.

The Area Commander declined to comment on the crackdown but directed P.M.NEWS to the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP, whom he said is the right person to speak to the press on the issue.

Some of the okada riders who spoke to P.M.NEWS explained that their only means of livelihood had been taken away from them.

Mr. Anthony Eze, who operates okada at Pen Cinema, said he has four kids, among others who depend on his income from okada business.

“I have four kids, two boys and two girls. Where will I get money to take care of my family and send my children to school? How do I raise money to start a business?” he lamented.

—Ayodeji Dedeigbo & Yusuf Mohammed