Arewa community says foreigners perpetrate Okada crimes in Lagos

…promises cooperation with Lagos govt on restriction, prosecution

The Arewa Community in Lagos State said it is in support of the ban placed on the operation of Okada in some local governments in the state.

The group, under the aegis of Lagos State Arewa Community (LASACOMM), in a communique at the end of an extra-ordinary meeting on Monday said it is in support of any efforts by the state government to protect life and prosperities of Lagosians.    

The communique was signed by its Secretary General Alhaji Musa Saleh.

The Arewa community acknowledged that “criminal elements who are mostly foreigners from Niger Republic, Chad, Cameroon and other neighbouring countries have infiltrated the ranks of those genuine riders.”

These elements, they said, are the ones involved in criminal activities in the state.

“We are calling on the Security Agencies to identify and arrest all those criminal elements masquerading as Okada riders.    

“We also tasking the Nigeria Immigration Service to step up its actions along the border line in checking the influx of those foreign elements coming into the Country without genuine intention.   

“We are in total commitment and support to the policies of the Lagos State government in getting rid of all security threats promoting peace and tranquility, safeguarding lives and properties of Lagos and the massive provision and development of infrastructures facilities for all Lagosians.

“We are calling on all well-meaning Arewa Community members to comply with our common resolve and avoid the local governments of Apapa, Surulere, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Eti-Osa and Ikeja.

“We will work with the Lagos State government and the Association of Arewa Okada Riders towards the implementation of extant rules and documentation of all riders in all local governments of Lagos State.

“We must have adequate data on everyone. We call on the Lagos State government to be vigilant and take proper punitive measures on bad eggs within the security agencies,” the communique said.