LAGOS: Ikeja-Along route deserted as okada riders clash with task force officials

CHAOS broke out on the Ikeja Along, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, after motorcycle riders and personnel of the Lagos State Task Force clashed.

It was reported that a demonstration, which started on Tuesday at the second rainbow area on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, was what escalated into a fight between the riders and government officials

According to reports the task force officers on Tuesday, seized over 70 motorcycles around second rainbow, FESTAC

But today, in viral video, scores of riders are seen chasing the security operatives while spitting out a stream of expletives as the task force officers retreated to their operational vehicles which zoomed off immediately.

The operators, to register their displeasure, set fire to objects as they accused authorities of high-handedness.

Horde of hoodlums has reportedly joined them to attack Task Force officials.

The clash caused many traders and other people plying the Ikeja-Along road to desert the route.

The uproar comes three weeks after Lagos witnessed large-scale turmoil after the End SARS protest went awry.

As of the time of filing this report police are making efforts to put the situation under control.

It is not yet clear if the military would be called in but human and vehicular movement have been halted.

Adebayo Taofiq, Head of the Task Force Public Affairs Unit, had explained that they received several complaints about Okada operators using their bikes to rob.

He said the unrest started after operatives went out for enforcement.

“They damaged beyond repair 2 of our vehicles with one of our trucks. A paramilitary officer attached to the agency (Ganiyu Mustspha) was wounded with broken bottles and cutlass because he mistakenly ran into the mob.”

The spokesman complained that since the End SARS protest, motorists including Okada riders operate with impunity and cause traffic gridlock.