Okada Ban: Police Clash With Hoodlums As Massive Protests Hit Lagos State (Video)

Protest In Lagos Over Okada Ban

Fresh protests have hit the streets of Lagos state over the decision by the government to ban motorcycles (Okada) and tricycles (Keke) in certain areas of Lagos.

Lagosians woke up on Monday to great difficulties in getting to work, offices, schools and other places as the government ban on Keke and Okada took effect.

The commercial transport operators also took advantage of the situation to increase transport fares with commuters having to pay double, sometimes more than what they used to pay for the same distance before the ban came into effect.

A resident who spoke to our correspondent lamented that as against the normal N600, he spent ₦3,100 on transportation in order to get to work on Monday.

Naija News reports the ongoing protest began when some of the Okada riders embarked on a protest against government decision but were stopped by the police.

The protesters blocked the road in Ijora Olopa area and burnt tyres in the middle of the road as security operatives tried to disperse them.

Tear gas canisters and bullets have reportedly been fired by the police in an attempt to disperse the crowd.

Watch the video:

[10:30AM] @gidifeedtv: JUST IN: Serious fight and shooting going at Ijora Olopa, Lagos.

Police exchanging bullets with Okada and Napep riders.
Pls avoid that route for now cc https://t.co/P7JyQqalNF #TrafficChief

— #LagosTrafficReports (@TrafficChiefNG) February 3, 2020

It will be recalled that the Lagos State government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had on January 26, announced that it would ban the operation of commercial motorcycles and tricycles in certain local government areas, local council development areas, highways, bridges and roads in the state.

The ban became effective on Saturday, February 1, 2020.