CP Lagos Meets With Commercial Motorcycle Unions, Arrest Of Lawless Cyclists Begins June 15

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State has met with commercial motorcyclists, popularly called okada riders to discuss the unfortunate incidence regarding the burning of a police patrol van stationed at a black spot in Ibeshe, Ipakodo area of Ikorodu, Lagos state by irate motorcyclists.

A statement signed by the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Chike Oti, explained that the decision to crackdown on the illegal Okada riders was sequel to a meeting held with the State Commissioner of Police Imohimi Edgal and commercial motorcycle unions.

The meeting had in attendance different okada unions in the state, such as Motorcycle Operators Association of Lagos state(MOALS), Nagari  Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association (NAMORA) and Okada Riders Welfare Association (ORWA).

During  the meeting, which held at the MD Abubakar conference hall of the police headquarters, the CP decried the attitude of some okada riders who attack members of the public or constituted authorities at the slightest disagreement. He warned that the police would not only arrest unruly okada riders but ensure that they face the full wrath of the law.

The Police image maker informed that five resolutions were reached at the end of the meeting which would take effect from Friday, June 15.

The resolutions are that:

• With effect from June 15, any motorcycle without licence plate number would be impounded
• All commercial motorcycle operators are restricted from plying the highways and the bridges.
• Every commercial motorcycle operator must register with any of the approved unions for the purpose of accountability and easy identification.
• Every commercial motorcycle operator must wear an apron which must indicate the union he belongs and bear boldly, his identification number.
• A joint taskforce, comprising the police, the Lagos State Taskforce on Environmental Sanitation and members of the motorcycle unions to oversee the implementation of the resolution reached and the enforcement of the Lagos State traffic laws.

The CP charged members of the union to embark on massive enlightenment of their members before the June 15 enforcement so that they don’t run foul of the law.