The Lagos Task force has explained why its operatives raided an “Okada garage” at Agric Farm Estate in the Ojo Local Government Area to make arrests during an enforcement.
In a statement, the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, said the raid followed due process as it arose from a petition from the Community Development Associations (CDAs), comprising Olugbemi, Habeeb, Aiyedoto and Otubu, on the illegal activities of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada.
The operators, he said, allegedly use the estate and adjoining communities as a base after operating on the highways.
He was reacting to reports that the task force illegally raided the area.
Abdulraheem said the CDAs were worried too about the defecation in the drains and green areas on Badagry Expressway, reckless motorcycle riding, and obstruction of inner roads.
The communities further alleged that these activities of the operators had resulted in injuries to residents, pedestrians and schoolchildren.
Abdulraheem added that the CDAs had stated that attempts were made to regulate the operators through the introduction of estate-branded vests to identify and report erring operators.
But, the communities alleged that their interventions were resisted and, and on some occasions, weapons deployed.
The CDAs had also petitioned the state government through the state task force on May 23, and July 30, this year. A surveillance had followed the raid on August 25.
”The Task force also wishes to emphasise that the arrest of suspected illegal commercial motorcycle operators and impoundment of motorcycles within Agric Farm Estate, formed part of enforcement against the Qkadas on highways, bridges and other restricted routes in Lagos.
”The Task force is particularly concerned by attempts to portray enforcement against illegal and dangerous activities as an attack on innocent residents. The agency’s responsibility is to protect public safety, maintain order and ensure compliance with the laws of Lagos State,” the statement said.
The statement added that the Task Force Chairman, Chief Superintendent of Police Adetayo Akerele, remained focused on his duties and would not be swayed by anyone trying to portray him or the task office in bad light.
