By Samuel Abigeal Busayo (SIWES student, D S Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic )
The Lagos State Task Force revealed plans to destroy more than 130 motorcycles confiscated from commercial bike operators in the Alakija, Second Rainbow area of Lagos.
Shola Jejeloye, Chairman of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Agency, stated on Friday that the enforcement stemmed from bike riders’ defiance of the state law prohibiting their operation on specific highways.
Jejeloye disclosed that in response to the seizure of their motorcycles, protesting bike riders attempted to set fire to the task force and police’s official vehicles.
He emphasized, The enforcement targets defiant motorcycle operators violating state laws, particularly the ban on the use of motorcycles on major expressways in Lagos.
Alakija, a stronghold of bike operators, has been earmarked for enforcement. These motorcyclists engage in their business during the day and pose a nuisance at night. Confiscated bikes will not be repurposed for personal use by the force.
Jejeloye highlighted the extreme measures taken by some motorcyclists during the operation, stating, The motorcyclists set a bonfire on our truck, endangering road users. When verbal communication fails, enforcement becomes necessary.
He declared that the operation will persist until peace is restored for motorists using the state’s expressways.
