(Lagos Okada Face Task Force Raid. Photo by News Express)
The Lagos Task Force has explained why it raided an okada garage at Agric Farm Estate in Ojo Local Government Area.
Director of Public Affairs Gbadeyan Abdulraheem said the raid followed proper procedures and came after the Community Development Associations requested action.
The CDAs from Olugbemi, Habeeb, Aiyedoto and Otubu communities said the okada operators were using the estate as a base after working on highways.
The communities complained about illegal activities including defecation in drains and green areas, reckless riding and blocking inner roads.
The communities said the okada operators’ activities had injured residents, pedestrians and schoolchildren.
Gbadeyan Abdulraheem said the CDAs had tried to control the operators by giving them estate-branded vests to identify and report troublemakers.
However, the communities said the operators resisted these efforts and sometimes used weapons.
The CDAs submitted petitions to the state government through the task force on May 23 and July 30 this year.
Following surveillance, the raid happened on August 25.
Gbadeyan Abdulraheem said the arrest of illegal okada operators and seizure of motorcycles within the estate were part of the task force’s enforcement against okada on highways and restricted routes across Lagos.
The statement said portraying enforcement against illegal and dangerous activities as an attack on innocent people was wrong.
Task Force Chairman Chief Superintendent of Police Adetayo Akerele remains focused on his duties and will not be discouraged by attempts to make him and the task force look bad.
Chief Superintendent of Police Adetayo Akerele has consistently supported enforcement to prevent crime and protect residents.
The task force rejected suggestions that its enforcement activities were personal revenge or arbitrary actions.
The statement said the Nigerian Police leadership and state government are aware of what the agency is doing.
Gbadeyan Abdulraheem advised the media and public to verify facts before publishing reports that could mislead people or damage the reputation of individuals and institutions.
