1 Dead As Okada Ban Takes Off in Lagos, Stirs Mixed Reactions
- The effect of the ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, in some parts of Lagos state has taken a toll on many Nigerians
- In a new development, the life of a middle-aged woman has been dashed after falling off a motorcycle on Wednesday even as the okada rider tried to escape arrest
- Interestingly, motorcyclists on Wednesday complied with the fresh ban by the state government in many parts of Lagos
On Wednesday, June 1, a middle-aged woman died on the spot when she fell off a commercial motorcycle, popularly called okada, at Ikeja Along.
According to a report by The Nation, the operator tried to avoid arrest as the ban on okada operation began.
Ikeja is one of the six local governments and nine Local Council Developments Area (LCDA) in the pilot phase of the clampdown.
Source: Facebook
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had on Wednesday, May 18 signed an executive order prohibiting okada operation in 15 council areas of the state.
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How the middle-aged woman died, an eyewitness shed more light
The woman, whose identity was not known, according to an eye witness named Clement Inuwa, a commercial bus driver, fell as the okada rider tried to avoid the Taskforce, who had taken a position on both carriageways to arrest any defaulters of the governor’s order.
Clement said:
“The okada rider and the woman passenger were coming from Iyana-Ipaja and heading towards Oshodi very early in the morning when they ran into the enforcement team.
"In the process of manoeuvring and avoiding arrest, the woman fell, hit her head on the median and died on the spot. The okada driver however escaped."
Port users in Apapa area lament
At Apapa, it was a difficult time for port users as many of them had to resort to trekking, while few rode bicycles to the Apapa Wharf and TinCan Ports, due to the commencement of the total ban on okada operation.
The Port access roads, such as Creek Road and others were clear of okada menace yesterday as the operators stayed away on the first day of the enforcement of the order.
Until Wednesday, okada was solely depended upon by port users into and out of Apapa, as port activities have made the entire port city almost inaccessible.
Nigerians react
Nigerians took to the official Facebook post of Legit.ng and shared their views over the sad development.
Chioma Ozonna Chiedozie said
"Before I boarded a bike 2 days ago, I asked if they have been banned already, they said no that it'll be tomorrow. I don't want their wahala.
"May her soul rest in peace Amen."
Japhet N Igbaukum wrote
"I believe the okada ride would be jubirin popularly known as aboki."
Valentine Wabilly stated
"Stubbornness no pay. After she knew they have ban okada."
Okonkwo comedy said
"Am sure it's an Aboki man..Those people drive as if they have an appointment with death."
Oki Al-Hassan said
"Mounting a transport outfit (Okada) that has just been banned is not actually a wise decision.
"May her soul rest in perfect solemnity."
Bada Wale said
"U see the menace these people are causing? U just killed an innocent woman, yet the killer okada is not known."
Babajide Merit said
"The middle-aged woman went on a suicide mission herself, so sad she paid the supreme price. Climbing okada on the highway when you know their activities have been banned is risky."
Benny Fortune Akinyemi said
"What a sad incident.
"May her soul RIP ."
Aare Adewale Sam Olajide questioned
"Who is to blame?? Taskforce, Okada rider or the woman..
"May the Lord comfort her family.."
Okada Ban: Lagos police deploy officers in strategic places ahead of enforcement
Legit.ng reported earlier that the police authorities in Lagos have deployed officers to different parts of the state to prevent the breakdown of law and order in the enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcyclists called Okada.
Benjamin Hundeyin, the police spokesperson in the state, disclosed in a statement on Sunday, May 29, that this was in response to a social media message.
The message, which has been forwarded many times on WhatsApp, said there is a planned riot by Okada riders on Wednesday, June 1.
List of 6 LGAs, 9 LCDAs where okada can no longer operate in Lagos
Meanwhile, as contained in the statement issued by the state government, six LGAs and nine LCDAs have been affected by the ban.
Effective from June 1, 2022, the governor directed security operatives to enforce the proscription order across the listed councils.
The full list include; Apapa, Iganmu LCDA, Ikeja, Ojodu LCDA, Onigbongbo LCDA, Lagos Island, Lagos Island West LCDA, Lagos Island East LCDA, Lagos Mainland, Yaba LCDA, Surulere, Coker Aguda LCDA, and Itire-Ikate LCDA.
Source: Legit.ng
