Task force clears illegal garage, impounds 35 vehicles in Jibowu

By : Bertram Nwannekanma

Date: 6 October 2023 4:20am WAT

Head of the Lagos State Task Force, Shola Jejeloye, speaks about taxi motorcycles, popularly called Okada, seized by the state following a ban on bike transport in Lagos on June 3, 2022. - Seven thousand seized taxi motorcycles have been crushed by the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental Services empowered to enforce a ban on bike transport in Lagos. (Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI / AFP)

Head of the Lagos State Task Force, Shola Jejeloye(Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI / AFP)

Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Miscellaneous Offences (a.k.a Task force) has impounded about 35 vehicles illegally parked and causing major obstruction on the Jibowu corridor of Yaba axis in the state.

The Guardian learnt that the operation, which was part of the team’s enforcement for compliance operation, took place at night, and was coordinated by the Chairman of the agency, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Shola Jejeloye.

Jejeloye described the actions of some transport operators as self-centred, citing the way and manner they deliberately occupy a large portion of the road to load goods and pick passengers.

The task force chief disclosed that residents and commuters plying the axis, especially after close of work, had complained to the state government concerning the activities of bus operators at Jibowu, who convert those areas to roadside courier stations and mini garages.

He said: “It is sad to see these transport operators move their business from their premises to the main road meant for free vehicular movement just for their selfish gains. Their actions cause increased travel time and unnecessary chaos once it gets dark.”

The chairman further disclosed that the vehicles impounded have been booked and owners will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

“It’s high time we put a stop to this inhumanity to Lagosians plying that route. We will ensure constant patrol and monitoring of the Jibowu corridor especially at night, when such infractions usually occur, and make sure anyone caught inflicting unnecessary discomfort to road users is arrested and charged to court,” he said.

Jejeloye warned transporters and operators, in Yaba and other parts of the state, who are fond of such actions to make use of designated parks and garages to carry out their businesses.

“Traffic build-up caused by illegal garages and parking would no longer be tolerated.

“The traffic bottlenecks are not natural, neither is it created by God, but is caused by human activities, which have to be regulated and checked,” he added.