Kwara State Police Reacts To Lagos Okada Ban, Sets New Measures In Place

The Kwara State Police Command has put certain measures in place to combat the negative effect of the Lagos State Okada Ban might have on its state.

Recall that the Lagos State government prohibited the use of Okada on highways and six local government areas

The affected LGAs are Apapa, Eti Osa, Ikeja, Lagos Island, Surulere, and Lagos Mainland.

The ban has been in place since June 1, 2022

Reacting to the ban, the Kwara State Police released a statement through its public relations officer, SP Okasanmi Ajayi (anipr) assuaging the fears of some Kwarans who believe that the banned Okada riders might choose to pitch their tent in Kwara due to it’s proximity to Lagos.

According to the statement, the state commissioner of police, CP Tuesday Assayomo psc held a meeting with the command security managers on Friday at Ilorin to discuss the security challenges in the state and come up with solutions to deal with the negative effect of the Okada Ban on Kwara.

The CP called on the Motorcycle and Tricycles Unions in Kwara State to make a detailed record of its old and existing members for easy identification.

He also advised that security cameras be put in place of worship and security officials employed to endure the safety of worshippers.

The statement reads: “The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Tuesday Assayomo psc (+), held a security meeting with the command’s strategic security managers on Friday 10/6/2022, at the Police Officers Mess, Ilorin. The meeting was convened to review the existing security strategies in the state, the command was not unaware of some security breaches in some states leading to the death of many citizens, the banning of Okada operations in some States, especially Lagos State which has sent jitters in the spines of some Kwarans, owing to the proximity of Kwara state to Lagos State; nursing the fears that the banned Okada operators may head for Kwara State with all its attendants risks.

“Consequently, the CP directed Area Commanders, Dpos and Command’s Tactical Units to intensify patrols in their AORs, intensify intelligence gathering and to also apply effective mobilization of vigilante groups, hunters and other local security apparatus in their AORs.

“He also called on Motorcycle and Tricycles Unions in Kwara State to embark on adequate profiling of both existing and new members for easy identification and monitoring.

“The CP advises the leadership of religious bodies on the appropriateness of putting some security arrangements in their places of worship, including CCTV cameras, employment of private or local guards to complement those provided by the Police.

 “The Commissioner of Police hinted of a proposed meeting with relevant non-state actors, and student bodies to also discuss on ways by which the police Command could serve the citizens better.

“The CP decorated thirty-one newly promoted Inspectors to the ranks of Asp, advising them to reciprocate the kind gesture of the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Usman Alkali Baba NPM fdc ,by working harder and continually represent the good image of the force wherever they are posted.”