Traffic Law: Okada riders, police clash during protest

Commercial motorcycle operatorsotherwise known as okada riders clashed with policemen during a protest in Majidun, Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State on Wednesday. The protest was said to have turned violent after the okada riders allegedly vandalised a LAGBUS. The development comes two daysafter the state police command and the state government barred okada riders from staging protests. Our correspondent learnt that policemen had on Tuesday seizeda large number of motorcycles along the expressway, development that angered the riders. It was learnt that on Wednesday, scores of okada riders, wielding machetes, bottles and sticks, tookto the streets to express their displeasure. According to an eyewitness, Tomilayo Bada, the motorcyclists made bonfires on the expressway,causing traffic snarl. She said as soon as the police arrived, the riders threw stones atthem. One of the motorcyclists, the eyewitness said, jumped into a river to evade arrest. She said, “Around 7:30am, okada riders set up bonfires on the road, causing traffic congestion. Many of us going to our respective places of work were also held up. “Policemen rushed to the scene and disengaged them. One of theriders abandoned his bike and jumped into the lagoon at Majidun to evade arrest.” Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, said normalcy had since returned. She said policemen had been stationed in the area to prevent a recurrence. She said, “ Okada riders were burning tyres in protest along theexpressway, creating tension. Policemen moved in and dispersed them and peace has been restored. “I cannot confirm if anyone was arrested but policemen are on the ground to forestall a recurrence.”