Some residents of Fagbile Estate, Ijegun area of Lagos State, have appealed to relevant security authorities to impose a total ban on commercial motorcycles, otherwise known as ‘okada’ in the area.

The residents, who spoke with journalists, said the appeal became necessary following intensified attacks on residents by criminals operating on motorbikes.

A resident, who pleaded anonymity, said thieves on a motorcycle defiled the heavy rain on Sallah day to rob a widow dealing in soft drinks and an agent of a Point of Sale (POS) machine.

He said the robbers dispossessed the widow and her sister of their phones, money, a POS machine and recharge cards in front of her nine-year-old son.

He said that while the robbers had concluded their mission, they fired a shot in the air to scare passers-by on the street.

“This is the third time ‘okada’ thieves have robbed on Rotimi Omotosho Street recently.

“The ban of commercial motorcyclists has become imperative due to the incessant attacks on the estate residents in broad daylight,’’ he said.

Another resident, Anthony Igwe, said he came very close to another set of robbers while returning from a church service last month.

Mr Igwe said some church members were paying another a visit when Okada thieves on Olawale Omotosho Street attacked the lady behind them.

According to him, the screaming of the member got his attention and trying to offer help to her, one of the boys raised his shirt up to show off the pistol he had on him.

Some other residents have similar experiences, and an investigation by NAN revealed that Olawale Omotosho Street is a fertile ground operation for ‘okada’ thieves as they operate on the street unchallenged.

It was also gathered that Shittu Bashiru Street had been their entry and exit routes, depending on where they were coming from.

(NAN)