By Esther Onyegbula

The Lagos State Taskforce has impounded 45 vehicles numbering along the highways causing obstruction and traffic in different parts of the state during a raid.

Some of the vehicles were impounded after dropping and picking up passengers at illegal bus stops and garages.

The simultaneous operations, which began in the early hours of Thursday and were led by CSP Adetayo Akerele, were carried out at Oshodi, Ikeja, and Iyana Ipaja, where obstinate commercial bus operators had been disrupting free flow traffic and causing inconvenience to Lagosians along those routes.

Akerele also issued a warning to other commercial bus operators throughout the state. He warned them to turn over a new leaf or have their cars impounded.

“There will be no sacred cows in this new dispensation. I do not care if your commercial bus is branded or marked with intimidating stickers to avoid arrest by law enforcement; if you cause an obstruction on the highway, your vehicle will be confiscated. Lagosians will not be shortchanged by any self-centered bus operator.”

In a related development, the Agency shined a spotlight on street traders who have purposefully converted walkways and kerbs into mini markets along Oshodi Road, Suwebatu Street, and the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, violating the State’s environmental laws.

He confiscated some goods displayed along the road and reaffirmed his commitment to ridding the roads and highways of any form of degradation or unapproved conversion to markets.

He warned those who continue to engage in such activities in other parts of the state to pack their wares and leave the roads, stating that it is not only harmful to the environment but also dangerous to traders and commuters who are forced to walk on the highway due to impediments placed on approved walkways in the state.

Meanwhile, all drivers of impounded vehicles will face prosecution.