The Lagos State Government has affirmed that there has been a massive drop in the rate of fatal accidents involving commercial motorcycles, popularly known as ‘Okada’, since the restriction of their movements in six Local Governments comprising of 475 routes including major roads, highways and bridges across the State.
A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso disclosed that data from the State Police Command confirmed that Okada-rider accidents reduced from 19 in January 2020 before the restriction order to one between February 1st and 20th.
Giving further details about the incident, he added that “the rider, named Walbe Deshi and his passenger, also identified as Sadiq Seyok, sustained severe injuries and were taken to Ikorodu General Hospital for treatment where the rider later died.”
Omotoso pointed out that the current situation is a radical departure from the casualty rate between January and December 2019 when there were 168 commercial motorcycles accidents involving 226 victims, leaving 201 persons dead.
While reiterating the present administration’s resolve to ensure the safety and security of all Lagos residents, the Commissioner gave the assurance that the palliative measures being rolled out by the government will provide enduring and permanent solutions to public transportation problems in Lagos State.
He maintained that the present difficulty being experienced in the transport sector is one of the attributes of megacities that witness a huge influx of migrants assuring that Governor Sanwo-Olu and his team have the experience and wherewithal to fashion-out permanent solutions to the lingering issues in the traffic and transportation sector.
He, therefore, solicited for the cooperation, support and understanding of the citizenry in the quest to achieve a Greater Lagos.