Residents seek permanent ban on motorcycle operations in Lekki
SPURRED by the ban of commercial motorcyclists in Ikeja, Surulere, EtiOsa, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island and Apapa local councils by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo- Olu, residents of Lekki, yesterday, called for permanent ban of the operatives in their community.
The residents, under the auspices of Lekki Peninsula Phase One Residents Association ( LERA), said the call was due to numerous cases of security breaches and menace in the area.
They sought support from the governor to begin a clamp down on Okada riders to enhance effective cooperation.
LERA also called on the Ministry of Physical Planning and NTDA to carry out raids on incomplete buildings to flush out hoodlums and miscreants in the community.
Speaking at a press conference to sensitise residents and on the ban, Chairman of LERA, Yomi Idowu, said the decision, followed recent, dastardly, animalistic and senseless murder, which took place in the neighbourhood.
“Intelligence reports reaching us is that, following the raid on Okada riders and subsequent seizure of ‘ Okadas’ in Lekki Phase One, the riders believe the action was instigated by Lekki residents, who are determined to take away their source of livelihood.
“In retaliation, there are plans by these ‘ Okada riders’ to invade our inner street, and cause havoc in the immediate future,” he said.
He stressed that the menace of Okada riders in Lekki Phase One area has become worrisome and the association had written several letters to the Lagos State Government, seeking for support to ban Okada operation in the area. Idowu said the call became necessary following numerous incidence of security breaches, including bloody armed robbery attacks, kidnappings, assassinations and ritual killings, to name a few, but to no avail.
He added that this is not the first time residents have been terrorised by motorcycle riders in Lekki Phase One.