For many years, Lagos has been the dream of every school leaver. At a point, it was thought by many that the streets of the former capital of Nigeria were strewn with raw cash. With a large population that drives businesses, Lagos has maintained the lead on the people’s choice of abode. As the nation’s economy takes a nosedive, people from different states and countries flood the city to ply their trade. Apart from those armed with educational certificates, who work in government and private establishments, there are several others who besiege Lagos, engaging in menial jobs to eke out a living. In this group are the commercial motorcyclists popularly called “Okada riders.” In the last few years, ‘Okada’ riders have become a serious issue to the government of Lagos State. In the Babatunde Fashola administration, intense efforts were mounted to dislodge Okada riders in the state. Government says they have become a serious threat to security of lives and property in the state.
A good number of robbery attacks in the state have been traced to the Okada riders. Equally, many residents have either lost their lives or their limbs to Okada-related accidents. The state government under Fashola had banned ‘Okada’ operators from some routes. But the more government clamped down on them, the more they grew in number. Many of the riders are said to have come from neighbouring countries. The Akinwunmi Ambode administration continued from where the Fashola’s stopped. Last week, about 4000 impounded Okadas were set for crushing at Olusosun, Ojota, by the state government. The exercise has since drawn variegated comments. While a few justify whatever step government deems appropriate to end the Okada menace in Lagos, many others express fears that it can worsen the crime rate in the state, particularly, at a time when kidnapping has become the order of the day in the state. It is believed that the youth whose legitimate means of livelihood are being destroyed could resort to some untoward means to make a living. Government must think through its policy in this regard to ensure that its onslaught against Okada and Keke riders will not give birth to a more sinister monster
