The Lagos State government has declared that the game is over for lawless Okada riders and ordered full enforcement and clampdown on them, including tricycle (keke) operators.
In the last few days, Okada riders have taken over major roads and expressways in Lagos, driving against traffic and on the BRT lane.
They have also attacked Task Force officials trying to regulate their operations.
On Tuesday, a mob of Okada riders attacked task force officials at Mile 2 area, vandalising three vehicles and injuring one para-military officer.
On Wednesday, another mob of Okada riders attacked and chased away task force officials in Ikeja and damaged some BRT buses.
But at a news conference in Ikeja on Thursday, the Lagos State government said “the game is over for Okada riders in the State.”
The Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, said in the last few months, the State witnessed lawless activities of Okada riders as they violated traffic laws and perpetrated crime.
Oladeinde thus directed all law enforcement agencies, including the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Vehicles Inspection Services (VIS), the Nigeria Police, Lagos Task Force and others, to begin immediate enforcement of the law.
He also warned vehicle owners to desist from driving against traffic and using the dedicated BRT lane, as anyone caught would face the wrath of the law.
Oladeinde said a joint task force would be set up to aggressively enforce the road traffic law with immediate effect.
The commissioner said for the avoidance of doubt, Okada and tricycles remain banned in six local governments and nine local council development areas.
He listed the LGAs and LCDAs thus: Apapa LGA; Lagos Mainland LGA; Surulere LGA; Ikeja LGA; Eti-Osa LGA; Lagos Island LGA; Onigbongbo LCDA; Ojodu LCDA; Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA; Iru-Victoria Island LCDA; Lagos Island East LCDA; Apapa Iganmu LCDA; Yaba LCDA; Itire-Ikate LCDA; and Coker-Aguda LCDA.