5 major areas reckless Okada riders continue to operate without rules in Lagos
The Lagos State Government has inaugurated the Special Offences (Mobile) Court to summarily deal with growing cases of traffic and environmental abuses in the state with the view to bring sanity and civility in the conduct of residents.
The special offences court was established in 1994 to try essentially environmental offences; it was vested with powers to sit in any convenient place close to the scene of commission of any offence triable by it.
Okada riders’ recklessness is on the increase on Lagos roads, and many passengers and pedestrians have ended up in hospitals due to accidents in different locations of Lagos.
Sometime ago, there was a law against Okada riders plying their trade without wearing a helmet, but the riders have continued to operate as if the law was meant for other people and not them.
Below are 5 major bus stops reckless Okada riders operate without rules:
Ajah bus stop:
An Okada rider driving against traffic hit a pedestrian by Ajah under bridge on Friday, June 23.
The area, residents say, is notorious for reckless activities of motorcycle and tricycle riders.
Ijaiye-Ogba axis:
The way Okada riders operate in Ogba calls for attention. Residents say Okada riders in the axis drive recklessly, and more often than not most of the riders reek of alcohol and Indian hemp even in the early hours of the day.
Ojota,Ketu-Alapere axis:
Okada riders in Ojota, Ketu Alapere axis are said to be very reckless. Okada riders in the axis still ride on BRT lanes and highways.
A resident said that though injuries in Okada related accidents have reduced when compared with record of the past years, it is still on the high side.
Ikorodu:
Some angry commercial motorcyclists some months ago set ablaze a police patrol vehicle at Ibeshe in Ikorodu area of Lagos in retaliation to a cyclist’s death who was allegedly chased by some policemen.
Such incidents are said to be a common occurrence in the Ikorodu area of the state, as the riders are allegedly very rough and reckless.
Agbara:
There has been reported cases of casualties due to Okada riders’ recklessness in Agbara.
One resident said one of such reckless ride had led to an accident involving a commercial bus conveying church worshippers and a cyclist, which triggered a violent demonstration.
Activities of Okada riders still need to be checked.
