The Lagos State Police Command has identified disgruntled commercial motorcyclists, known locally as Okada riders, as the primary suspects in the attack on a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus in the Orile area on Wednesday. The incident, which has drawn significant attention, is believed to have been sparked by a recent crackdown on illegal motorcycle operations in the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, the Command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, dismissed initial reports suggesting that the incident was an armed robbery. He clarified that the attack was a direct response from the motorcyclists after their motorcycles were seized by the Lagos State Taskforce on Environment and Special Offences Enforcement Unit.
According to Hundeyin, the Taskforce had conducted a raid targeting commercial motorcyclists who were illegally operating on BRT lanes and other restricted roads, leading to the confiscation of several motorcycles. The operation was part of an ongoing effort to enforce the Lagos State Road Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018, which prohibits motorcycle use on the state’s highways.
In the aftermath of the raid, some of the affected motorcyclists reportedly mobilized and launched a protest. Their frustration culminated in the attack on the nearest government facility they encountered—the BRT bus. Hundeyin explained that the bus driver, feeling threatened, abandoned the vehicle, allowing the riders to vandalize the windows of the bus.
While there have been unconfirmed reports that some passengers were robbed during the incident, Hundeyin noted that no official complaints had been lodged with the police.
The attack occurred just a day after the Lagos State Taskforce impounded 164 motorcycles for violating state transport laws. The police are continuing their investigation into the incident and are working to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
