More than 2,000 confiscated motorcycles popularly called okada have been crushed and destroyed by the Lagos State government following a ban enforced by the govt.
The decision to ban the motorcycles comes following the lynching of a man by suspected riders last month, which sparked outrage.
Sunday David, a 38-year-old sound engineer, was killed in the upmarket Lekki neighbourhood after a disagreement over N100 fares.
His death sparked outrage and forced authorities to act.
Meanwhile, the ban has generated mixed reaction from Lagosians with some saying the riders ride dangerously, while others say okada riding provides vital work for young people.
Since the ban has been put in place, parts of the city that are usually buzzing with okada riders have seemed unusually quiet.
Law enforcement agencies have also been out and about trying to enforce the ban by seizing any motorcycle that defies the government’s order.
The seized motorcycles were therefore gathered and crushed as a form of punishment.
The motorcycle transport union of Nigeria has reacted by reportedly filing a suit against the state, urging the court to compel the government to provide alternative jobs for its members and declare the ban illegal.
Lagos State police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin while speaking to newsmen during the esercise explained that the ban will be implemented for good.
“I can assure you that the commissioner of police has put measures in place to make [sure] the enforcement is sustained and we don’t have any relapse,” Hundeyin said.
“Whoever boards the bikes will be arrested and prosecuted. There are mobile courts set up everywhere. The mobile courts cite what punishment to give to them,” he added.
