By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Taskforce has carried out large-scale demolition of illegal shanties and removal of defiant squatters along the Fagba rail line corridor. This cleanup effort comes in the wake of the launch of the Red Line Rail project by the state government.
During the operation, the taskforce enforcement team impounded a total of 359 commercial motorcycles, commonly known as “Okada,” for operating on restricted routes, state highways, and bridges in the targeted areas.
According to Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, the unit’s spokesperson, the shanties were demolished along the Fagba corridor.
This two-day enforcement exercise followed the launch of the state’s railway project and was led by the agency’s chairperson, Shola Jejeloye. The operation covered areas such as the Fagba rail track, Iju-Ishaga, Abattoir, and Pen Cinema, resulting in the confiscation of motorcycles operating on restricted routes.
Mr. Jejeloye reported that miscreants around the abattoir supported motorcycle operators in resisting arrest, leading to mayhem to prevent confiscation, but were eventually subdued by the enforcement team.
“It was a complex operation seizing these motorcycles from their recalcitrant operators due to the presence of miscreants lurking around the abattoir. They threw stones and objects at us in order to thwart our effort but they were no match for our tactical superiority,” Mr Jejeloye said.
“The presence of motorcycles and shanties along the rail tracks pose significant safety risks to residents, passersby and commuters who choose to patronise both the train and commercial motorcycles. Clearing them completely improves the aesthetic appeal of the rail area and would also mitigate encroachment on rail infrastructure in the state,” the statement read.
Mr. Jejeloye, has drawn attention to the connection between criminal activities and motorcycle operators and squatters along the Fagba corridor.
These individuals are often involved in robbery and bag snatching, contributing to insecurity in the area. Jejeloye emphasised the significance of the ongoing crackdown in reducing such incidents, reiterating that motorcycles operating on restricted routes will face impoundment.