Okada Ban: Lagos Records 86% Crime Reduction, 63% Accident Rate
*Impounds, crushes 7,500 motorcycleso
The Lagos state government has recorded a reduction in crime and accident rate of Motorcycle astronomically by 86 per cent and 63.7 per cent respectively, while a total of 7,500 motorcycles were impounded and crushed accordingly.
The Commissioner of Transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde said this while delivering his remarks at the stakeholders’ forum on Okada Ban held at the LTV complex, Agidingbi, on Tuesday in Lagos.
Oladeinde noted that the stakeholder’s forum which is another bold intervention taken by the State Government aimed at the continued promotion and protection of the safety and security of lives and property in the State.
According to him, it is no longer news that there is a rise in the level of insecurity as a result of the rampage of banditry and kidnapping across all states of the Federation. The Federal Government, therefore, is presently considering the total ban of motorcycle operations across the Federation as most of these underground activities are been enhanced with the use of motorcycles.
“Today, we are delighted to report our position on the review of the Anti-Okada’s enforcement operation in the last 22 months plus. It is important to mention that the operation has recorded significant successes and compliance” he said.
The commissioner noted that the attention of the State Government has been drawn to the security threat parading the news across all socio-media platforms that some unscrupulous individuals are planning to attack the State, and the Government is already working round the clock to secure the State and its residence from these non-State actors.
“The Government under the leadership of Mr Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu is concerned and passionate about taking back our State from these non-State actors, and your corporation in this regard will be highly valued and appreciated. Don’t forget, Lagos belongs to all of us!
He further emphasizes that Lagos State is committed to the Safety and Security of lives and property in the State as investors across the globe see Lagos as a haven for investments and all hands must be on deck to further promote commerce in the State.
To recall that on the 18th of May, 2022, Mr Governor made a pronouncement on the total ban of motorcycle operations in six (6) Local Governments (LGs) and the respective nine (9) Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) under them including all major bridges and highways of the State and the subsequent inauguration of the Lagos State Anti-Okada Squad saddled with the responsibility to aid the police and taskforce to implement and enforce total compliance concerning the law.
The Anti-Okada Squad was deployed to their respective locations and commenced operation effectively from the 1st of June, 2022. The Anti-Okada squad work in partnership with relevant stakeholders like Police, Media, and Unions among others whose contributions thus far cannot be overemphasized.
Speaking at the event is the Commissioner of information and strategy Dr Gbenga Omotosho noted that we are gathered here today to take stock of the government’s decision to ban the operations of commercial motorcycles in six local governments and local council development areas on June 1, 2022.
Omotosho said as at the time Governor Sanwo-Olu announced the government’s decision, there were criticisms from various segments of the State. Those complaints were based largely on sentiments of those who had not witnessed the havoc some of the Okada riders caused in the areas of health and security.
He added that residents were being robbed of their belongings by robbers who used motorcycles to flee scenes of crimes; our public hospitals were being filled with victims of Okada accidents (doctors had their hands full at Emergency wards), and hoodlums who rode unregistered motorbikes posed great security risks.
According to him, at this forum, the Honourable Commissioner for Transportation will present facts and data about the changes documented after the ban. The review will provide everyone with the opportunity to make unbiased contributions which will help the Government determine the next steps to address the challenges posed by commercial motorcyclists in Lagos.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu is determined to make Lagos habitable and safe for residents and visitors. That is why we have invited representatives of our communities, law enforcement agencies, traditional and religious leaders, youth organisations and civil society groups to give their sincere opinions and recommendations on what many have described as the Okada menace”, he said.
About The Author
