metro

Bandits posing as okada riders invade Lagos; 3m trooped in within two years

Published

4 years ago

May 21, 2022

News of the ban of commercial motorcycles otherwise called okada, in six local government areas of Lagos state, by Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu, this week , did not come as a surprise to many, who considered it as long overdue.

This is because security report has revealed that a good percentage of those parading themselves as commercial motorcyclists are indeed hoodlums and bandits who have invaded Lagos.

At a security meeting in Abuja recently, it was revealed that over three million okadas riders trooped into Lagos since 2020.

The bad ones among them are spread across almost all the communities in the state, waiting for the appropriate time to strike. With the foregoing, Lagos can be said to be sitting on a keg of gunpowder waiting to explode

Investigation by Saturday Vanguard further revealed that many riders in Lagos are from Chad, Niger and other parts of the African continent. This leaves one to question the efficiency of security agents.

Further findings showed that most of these okada riders sneaked into the state at night, hiding their motorbikes in-between goods coming in from other states.

READ ALSO:

While majority of those whose operations were banned in states like Enugu, Abia, Akwa-Ibom Kano, Borno, Cross River and Kaduna among other states, find Lagos as a conducive ground to eke out a living, others use the opportunity to continue with their criminal activities.

Also, the recklessness and brazen disregard for constituted authority by some commercial motorcyclists in the state has assumed an alarming situation.

Just last week, a Sound Engineer was killed and burnt to death by some commercial motorcyclists in the Lekki area of the state , during an argument over N100 additional payment.

Also, in September 2021, commercial motorcyclists went on rampage at Ajao estate, Airport Road, Lagos, killing a Chief Superintendent of Police, Kazeem Abonde , who was attached to the Operations Department of the Lagos State Police Command.

The deceased, who had barely eight months to retire , led a team of policemen to a criminal hideout in the area , only to have life snuffed out of him.

At other times, they confronted policemen attached to the Lagos State Task Force and Rapid Response Squad , at different locations in the state .

Early this year , a police patrol van was set ablaze by some commercial motorcyclists at 6th Avenue , Festac Town , in Amuwo Odofin area of the state, during an attempt to resist arrest.

Sadly, these policemen , even though armed , would be warned by their bosses never to use their arms on these riders, even in the face of death.

Motorists have also had unfair treatment from these commercial motorcyclists who vent their anger and frustration on them at any given opportunity. In fact , the fear of okada riders is the beginning of wisdom for any discerning motorist.

Most major roads in the metropolitan state have been deliberately taken over by these commercial motorcyclists, thereby depriving other road users access . And when confronted, they would constitute a mob action on their victim.

Government’s inconsistency

With the enforcement of the ban of okada in six local government areas to begin from June 1, 2022, Lagosians are, however, unsure if the state government will keep to its word by ensuring that the enforcement lasts.

This is because the latest announcement was not the first time the Lagos State Government would ban and restrict operations of okada in the state. But they fail to enforce the ban.

In 2006, former Governor of the state, Governor Ahmed Tinubu, announced the restriction of their operation between 7pm and 6am, owing to the spate of robbery operations with okada. However, with time , enforcement simmered.

Six years later (2012) former Governor Babatunde Fashola banned the operation of commercial motorbikes in Ikeja axis. Again, the operators returned to status –quo with time.

In 2017, during Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s tenure, he placed a ban on the operation of commercial motorcycles and tricycles on designated highways and bridges. But like other times, the directive was flouted .

Again in 2020, the Governor Sanwo-Olu led administration banned the operation of motorcyclists and tricycles in six local governments, 10 major highways and nine local development areas of the state . Again, the enforcement was short lived.

With the present announcement on the ‘indefinite and total ‘ban of okada riders in Apapa, Surulere ,Eti-Osa, Lagos Mainland , Ikeja and Lagos Island Local Government Areas which takes effect from June 1, 2022, some Nigerians, especially the security agents , hope that government will give the necessary back up and will power to enforce the ban to the latter.

In terms of enforcement, some security agents who spoke with Saturday Vanguard said what was needed to confront the riders in the case of eventuality was enough teargas canisters and hot water cannon.

Vangaurd

Up Next

‘How I Escaped From The Forest’, Corps Member Abducted Close To Army Checkpoint Speaks

Don't Miss

Danish man gets death sentence for killing Nigerian wife, daughter

metro

Fire Engulfs Yaba Market in Lagos, Traders Suffer Huge Losses

Published

9 minutes ago

April 4, 2026

Trends Admin

Fire Engulfs Yaba Market in Lagos, Traders Suffer Huge Losses

A major fire outbreak has ravaged a popular market in the Yaba area of Lagos State, destroying shops and goods worth millions of naira and causing panic among traders and residents. The blaze reportedly started in the early hours of Saturday around 3 a.m., quickly spreading across several sections of the market.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with thick smoke and flames consuming parts of the market near the Popo section. Traders and locals desperately tried to salvage their belongings, but much of the property was lost in the inferno. Videos circulating on social media captured the intensity of the fire and the frantic efforts of residents to control it.

An eyewitness, identified as Lugar Feliz during a TikTok livestream, said firefighters were on the scene but faced challenges in containing the blaze, with claims that some fire trucks lacked sufficient water. Several social media users on X (formerly Twitter) raised alarms about the incident, sharing videos and updates as the fire spread.

READ ALSO:

Traders affected by the fire lamented the financial losses. One resident, Adeoluwa, said he woke up to find shops behind his completely razed, estimating that billions of naira worth of goods may have been destroyed. Other reports suggest that hundreds of traders lost merchandise, highlighting the devastating economic impact on small business owners.

As of now, the cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, have not released an official statement on the full extent of damage or whether there were casualties. The incident adds to a growing trend of market fires in Lagos, often attributed to poor infrastructure, overcrowded stalls, and inadequate fire safety measures.

Affected traders are now calling for improved emergency response systems, better fire safety protocols, and stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent future disasters in crowded commercial hubs like Yaba.

Fire Engulfs Yaba Market in Lagos, Traders Suffer Huge Losses

metro

Gunmen Kill Three in Jos Community Hours After Tinubu Visit

Published

50 minutes ago

April 4, 2026

Trends Admin

Governor of Plateau State, Celeb Mutfwang

Gunmen Kill Three in Jos Community Hours After Tinubu Visit

Gunmen have again struck in Jos, killing three residents just hours after the visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Plateau State, deepening concerns over rising insecurity in Plateau and the effectiveness of ongoing security measures.

The latest attack occurred in Nyamgo Gyel, a community in Jos South Local Government Area, where residents said the victims were ambushed by armed men while returning home—highlighting a troubling pattern of attacks in Plateau communities.

The victims were identified as Luka Sandu Pam, 36, Samuel Davou, 38, and Deme Saidu, 35. They were reportedly riding on a motorbike when the assailants opened fire on them at close range, killing them instantly and leaving families devastated.

READ ALSO:

Eyewitness accounts revealed that the victims were among a group of about 15 young men who had earlier gone to a mining site in Gero. Trouble began as they made their way back home and unknowingly walked into an ambush.

The Youth Leader of Gyel community, Dung Davou, confirmed the incident, describing it as sudden and chaotic.

“We started hearing sporadic gunshots, and everyone scattered. Unfortunately, three of our people were killed,” he said.

He alleged that the attackers were suspected armed herdsmen and condemned what he described as repeated and unprovoked attacks on the community. He called on security agencies to act swiftly to prevent further loss of lives.

Security sources in Plateau State have yet to release an official statement on the latest killings, but local residents say fear and tension have intensified, especially in rural settlements where such attacks often occur without warning.

The incident comes shortly after President Tinubu’s visit to the state capital, Jos, where he met with stakeholders and reassured citizens of the federal government’s commitment to restoring peace following a series of deadly attacks.

Despite these assurances, the renewed violence has raised fresh questions about security response effectiveness in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, a region long plagued by farmer-herder clashes, banditry, and communal conflicts.

Community leaders are now calling for increased military deployment, improved intelligence gathering, and stronger collaboration between security agencies and local vigilantes to curb the escalating violence.

In a related development, at least 10 people were reportedly killed and several others injured after gunmen attacked Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area last Sunday—one of several recent incidents underscoring the fragile security situation in the state.

Observers warn that continued attacks could worsen the humanitarian situation and displace more residents if urgent and sustained security interventions are not implemented.

Gunmen Kill Three in Jos Community Hours After Tinubu Visit

metro

Amnesty International Condemns Wike Over ‘Violent Remark’ Against Journalist

Published

58 minutes ago

April 4, 2026

Trends Admin

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike

Amnesty International Condemns Wike Over ‘Violent Remark’ Against Journalist

Amnesty International has strongly criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over what it described as a reckless and violent remark allegedly made against a journalist during a live television interview.

The rights group raised the alarm in a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, warning that such comments could encourage attacks on journalists and further endanger press freedom in Nigeria.

The controversy followed Wike’s appearance on Channels Television, where he reacted strongly to remarks by journalist Seun Okinbaloye about concerns over Nigeria drifting toward a one-party state.

During the exchange, Wike reportedly said, “If there’s any way to break the screen, I would have shot him…”—a statement that has since sparked outrage among civil society groups and media advocates.

READ ALSO:

Reacting, Amnesty International described the comment as “reckless and violent language”, warning that such rhetoric from a senior government official could normalise violence against journalists and expose media professionals to danger simply for doing their jobs.

The organisation also pointed out that the statement may violate Nigeria’s broadcasting standards regulated by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, which prohibits inciting or harmful speech on air.

According to Amnesty, the remark is “unlawful and unacceptable”, particularly coming from a member of the federal cabinet, and reflects a troubling pattern of hostility toward the media.

The group called on Wike to immediately retract the statement and issue a public apology, stressing that public officials must exercise restraint and responsibility in their public communication.

“Mr Wike must withdraw his violent statement immediately and apologise,” Amnesty said, reiterating the need to protect journalists’ safety and uphold democratic values.

The incident has triggered broader reactions from civil society organisations and media stakeholders, many of whom warn that inflammatory political rhetoric could intimidate journalists, weaken independent reporting, and undermine Nigeria’s democracy if not addressed.

Observers say the development highlights growing concerns over freedom of expression in Nigeria, urging authorities to reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding the media and ensuring journalists can operate without fear of threats or intimidation.

Amnesty International Condemns Wike Over ‘Violent Remark’ Against Journalist