Okada riders relocating from Lagos to Sokoto accosted in Ekiti

Ilesanmi AdekanbiJune 9, 2022

1 minute read

Dozens of the Okada riders, loaded in a lorry fleering from Lagos over the ban of Okada by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu were intercepted in Ikere Ekiti by residents keeping vigils over the town.

On their way to Sokoto, the hapless travellers were stopped by the locals for security reasons occasioned by clashes between farmers and herdsmen in the area.

The men, who were loaded in two trucks were reportedly stopped along Ado Ekiti road on Tuesday evening in the town by the Amotekun corps and Ikere Ekiti locals security.

In a verified video circulating online on Wednesday, the Ikere Ekiti locals security were seen with the operatives of the Ekiti State Security Network Agency, codenamed ‘Amotekun Corps’, searching the travellers.

The Amotekun Corps commandant in Ekiti, Joe Komolafe, confirmed the video and said that the travellers were intercepted in Ikere during a stopover while in transit to Sokoto.

“The video is from Ekiti state. I didn’t see any arms and ammunition when we searched the vehicle.

“They claimed they were coming from Lagos and travelling to Sokoto, and they were fleeing because of the Okada ban in Lagos,” stated Mr Komolafe.

The Amotekun commandant added, “We searched the lorry and didn’t find anything incriminating.

“We escorted them out of the state (Ekiti) so that they won’t hide in the forest or anywhere here. There were many of them returning home. There is no cause for panic as we have beefed up security here. We saw their personal belongings and about five motorcycles with them.”

Recall that the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu had announced an indefinite ban on Okada riders’ activities in six local government areas of Lagos over safety and security in the state. The ban took effect on June 1