As part of efforts to restore sanity to the Otta metropolis, the Olota of Otta, Oba (Prof) Abdulkabir Obalanlege, has led a joint task force to dislodge illegal traders and roadside obstructions along the Sango and Ojuore axis of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Council of the state.

The exercise, aimed at eliminating chronic traffic gridlocks that have long plagued the region, was participated in by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Nigerian Navy, NSCDC, TRACE, and the DSS.

The team was also joined by the Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Comrade Wasiu Lawal, and council sanitary inspectors.

Obalanlege emphasised that the exercise was not just about clearing roads but about ensuring the safety and economic viability of Otta to restore road, expressing concern about how traders displayed their wares on the carriageway, causing massive bottlenecks and a significant loss of man-hours for commuters.

“We cannot allow the lawlessness of a few to jeopardise the movement and safety of the many,” the Olota stated, while issuing a stern warning to transport union members and Okada operators to vacate the highways immediately,” he said.

The monarch, however, directed the Iyaloja of Otta to facilitate the immediate occupation of the designated market land at Sango to ensure that the traders are not merely displaced but properly relocated.

“This move is intended to provide a structured environment for commerce while keeping the transit corridors free of encumbrances,” he added

However, the Sector Commander, Ogun Sector Command, Corps Commander Akinwuni Fasakin, said that the operations would continue to prevent traders from returning to the carriageway for business activities.

Fasakin, who was represented by FRSC Corridor 14 Commander, DCC Yinka Akande, and Acting Unit Commander, CRC Wasiu Ogunmefun, said that the one-week operation would be reinforced with military personnel from Owode Barracks

“To prevent the return of illegal traders, the operation will continue throughout the week with reinforced support from the Owode Barracks military personnel,” he said

The joint tax force urged all residents and business owners to comply with the new directives to ensure a seamless flow of traffic and a cleaner environment.