The Lagos State Task Force responsible for enforcement of ban on commercial motorcycles in restricted areas, has impounded 82 commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada at the Mile 2 area of the state.
The Task Force Public Relations Officer, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, who confirmed the raid, said the operation, which began around noon yesterday, was aimed at enforcing the state government’s ban on commercial motorcycle operators in the area. However, it turned chaotic as some commercial motorcyclists attempted to flee.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as pandemonium, with some riders struggling to take their motorbikes from the armed task force operatives. Many of them reportedly abandoned their motorcycles in the process and fled to avoid arrest.
“It was like a war zone, I saw Okada riders from one end throwing stones and sticks at the task force operatives who were trying to arrest them. It was a very scary scene.
“Despite the chaos, the task force operatives managed to seize dozens of motorbikes and arrest many riders. Some of them sustained injuries in the ensuing stampede,” an eye witness said.
Other areas along the busy expressway, such as Second Rainbow and Toyota bus stop, also saw similar operations, with over 15 task force vehicles stationed for onward operations in other parts of the state.
