By Ishaya Ibrahim
Thugs are taking advantage of the Okada ban in Lagos to visit mayhem on the state under the pretext of protest.
On February 5, a large number of them took over the streets of Iyana Ipaja, not only to protest, but to face off the police and vandalise all state government’s property, especially the Bus Rapid Transit. Amid the confusion, many residents reported being robbed in the area.
The police have been unable to control the situation as thugs were seen destroying an operational vehicle belonging to the Nigeria Police Force.
The thugs wielded assorted weapons including guns, clubs, cutlasses and anything within sight. They also set up several burn fires while facing off with policemen.
The Lagos State government did not announce the ban of the use of the motorcycles and tricycles in Iyana Ipaja, so it is unclear why the protest erupted there.
The areas affected by the ban according to the government official statement are: Apapa, Apapa-Iganmu, Lagos Mainland, Yaba, Surulere, Itire, Ikate, Coker, Ikeja, Onigbongbo, Ojodu, Eti Osa, Ikoyi, Obalende, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos Island Local government and Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area.
