Lagos taskforce extends raids on illegal parks to Adeniji-Adele, Ikeja, seizes 84 vehicles

The Lagos State Taskforce has carried out an enforcement for compliance operation at the Adeniji-Adele area and adjoining routes.

The exercise is meant to rid the places of gridlock and criminal activities caused by illegal operators of bus parks and bus stops.

The Chairman of the state Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, who led the operation, said the illegal activities of commercial motor operators in the areas had been on for too long, adding it was time to put an end to it.

Akerele said, “Motorists do not have to spend longer travel time on this route due to the actions of a few. Occupying of one or two lanes to create illegal bus parks is completely unacceptable and we are here to let these operators know that. If you want to pick up or drop off passengers, go to the designated bus parks.”

The Chairman further disclosed that the enforcement exercises carried out were going to be continuous and more intense and will be carried out across various parts of the state.  He described his planned actions as people oriented, meant to ensure that Lagosians are not deprived of their right to proper utilization of public amenities.

The Taskforce also cleared the Awolowo Way and Ipodo Street close to Ikeja Under Bridge where the same practice of creating traffic bottle-necks through illegal motor parks had been observed.

Akerele ensured that all vehicles parked illegally on the highway and adjoining streets causing untold hardship to Lagosians where completely removed.

He said that 84 vehicles were confiscated during both operations and assured residents and commuters around the areas that the days of commercial bus drivers dropping off and picking up passengers at unapproved locations way numbered.

He said, “Go-slow is not natural, not created by God. It is caused by the activities of a few recalcitrant drivers. The obstruction being experienced during the rush hours results in spill overs being extended to the Third Mainland Bridge and Kodesoh Street respectively, thereby making those areas impassable to motorists.”

Operators of kiosks and make shift stores on the kerbs and walkways on Adeniji Adele were also not spared as the officials of the Agency cleared the structures erected on the walkway meant for pedestrians. Traders selling on the street at Ipodo were warned to move their goods off the Road or risk having them confiscated by the Agency.