KAI raids Ikeja, hurls traffic violators, roadside traders into Black Maria

FOR Lagosians, who still indulge in the act of not using pedestrian bridges, it may soon be a long walk to freedom as enforcement agency, the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) is prowling the streets for offenders to cool their heels in a waiting Black Maria.

At Ikeja Along Bus Stop on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway yesterday, the long arm of the law caught up with some people. The KAI officials also got busy picking up hawkers and roadside traders, while confiscating their wares into the Black Maria.

In spite of several complaints from the public over the seemingly high-handedness of the enforcement taskforce, a KAI official told The Guardian that they were there to specifically arrest those risking their lives by crossing the busy highway, while also ensuring that road sellers stayed off the road.

When asked what punishment would be meted out to the offenders in the Black Maria, he directed The Guardian to the agency’s head office at Alausa, Ikeja.

A roadside trader, who identified herself as Mrs. Lucy Uzor, lamented the ‘notorious’ activities of the KAI officials. “I am a widow, struggling to meet the demand of feeding my children, their school fees and house rent. I don’t have money for shop and I have no option than to hawk my wares. This is much better than prostitution,” she said.

Mr. Bello, a wristwatch repairer said: “I know the government has good intention for doing this, but renting a shop is very expensive to the poor. Besides, the economy is at present not smiling at all.

“Though I have never been caught before but those, who are arrested are made to pay a fine of N15,000 or spend three months in prison if they can’t afford the bail. They also cart away their goods without refunding it. If Governor AkinwunmiAmbode wants us to leave the roadside, let him build affordable shops for us,” he pleaded.