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#OkadaBan: Police, Okada Riders Clash At Iyana Ipaja (Photos, Videos)
The ban of Okada and Keke Napep in Lagos State is getting mixed reactions from those whose daily source of income has stopped.
Hell was let loose in the early hours of Wednesday, in Iyana-Ipaja area of the state when dealers of motorcycles, popularly called “Okada,” riders and miscreants, known as “Area Boys,” engaged the police in a violent confrontation over enforcement of the recent ban by the state government on Okada and others.
The situation which led to commotion and destruction of properties was said to have started around 8.am, which also resulted in a traffic jam as motorists were caught in the clash.
Several vehicles were smashed and shops looted by miscreants who seized the opportunity to loot and vandalized properties.
This is happening in Iyana Ipaja according to eyewitnesses. But how is this going to solve the problems Nigerians? pic.twitter.com/4rnP3hm3Wh
— . (@SmartAtuadi) February 5, 2020
According to an eyewitness, identified as Mr Gbenga Alawaye, the trouble started when the police allegedly went into various shops where motorcycles are being sold and attempted to impound them. The dealers, apparently, felt they have not committed any offence, resisted the police from removing the items and in the process led into chaos as miscreants joined in the confrontation that ensued.
The entire area was blocked as protesters set a bonfire on the road, thus, preventing vehicular movement. The police, attached to the state task force, following the violent attack and being overwhelmed by the surging miscreants, called for reinforcement.
They are burning tires in Iyana Ipaja due to the recent #OkadaBan … Plyers please stay safe.
Retweet for others. pic.twitter.com/0Cno5A1Uh5
— MᏫᖇᏋᏁIᏦᏋᏠIMI (@mzgbeborun) February 5, 2020
Men of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, who provided reinforcement, on arrival at the scene shot canisters of teargas into the air to scare away the miscreants.
The situation was later brought under control at about 11 am when police restored law and order to the area. An RRS source, who preferred anonymity, said a total number of 21 suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack and taken to Area “M” Police Command, Idimu.
The source, however, dismissed report making the round that a police van was set ablaze in the process, saying, “No police van has been set ablaze. Its not true.”
