The Chairman, Lagos State Task Force on Environment, Shola Jejeloye, says the taskforce was backed by law in the seizure and crushing of 482  motorcycles. 

Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Jejeloye said the action was not hatred against commercial  motorcyclists but enforcement of the Lagos state traffic regulations.

The taskforce had on Tuesday crushed 482 motorcycles impounded at different times and locations for contravening various traffic laws in the state.

“I derive no joy in destroying the means of livelihood of people. The traffic law of Lagos state prohibits motorcycles from plying some roads.

“This includes driving against traffic and on BRT lanes but the motorcyclists always disobeyed the traffic laws.

“We are to enforce the law. You cannot disobey the law and expect enforcement agents not to do their job. If you break the law you face the consequences,” he said.

He said the taskforce was empowered by law with directives from the government and, therefore, must be obeyed, adding that “Lagos state is not a banana republic. All rules and regulations of the state must be enforced.”

According to him, “In some parts of the state, there are residents commending and celebrating our efforts against the lawlessness of commercial motorcyclists but some areas are joining the riders to fight us for implementing government directives.”

The chairman stressed that only those who obeyed the law could operate in the state.

He expressed worry over  the number of  young men in some parts of the state, unwilling to be meaningfully engaged, and had become a security threat to the state.

He disclosed that such a number of young people were found at Oniru-Maroko and Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Apapa area.

“The task force has placed undercover operatives around many areas to monitor such people,” the chairman said.

On disciplinary action, Mr Jejeloye said seven task force officials were sent to the state police command provost for trial over unprofessional conducts.

He, however, pointed out that the majority of the officials had done well, in spite of regular attacks on them during operations.

He also said there was a unit that monitored officials to ensure conformity with  the rules of engagement, adding that anyone found to be unprofessional would be dealt with.

(NAN)