By Olasunkanmi Akoni

At least an officer of the Lagos State Taskforce sustained injuries when irate commercial bus drivers, popularly called Danfo, attacked the team during a special enforcement operation on Wednesday at Obalende area, of Lagos Island.

However, in the process the taskforce impounded at least 56 commercial vehicles and arrested seven bus operators at Obalende, and Oworonshoki, on the Mainland areas of the state over violation of traffic laws.

The operation, led by the Chairman of the Agency, Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, Adetayo Akerele, was part of the continuous campaign to restore sanity on Lagos roads and eliminate bottlenecks caused by recalcitrant commercial bus operators.

The chairman disclosed that despite repeated warnings to the drivers, particularly those contributing to gridlock in major areas of the State, the situation has continued to pose significant challenges for commuters and residents alike.

“Today’s (Wednesday’s) enforcement action was aimed at reinforcing the agency’s commitment to ensuring compliance with traffic regulations and keeping Lagos roads safe and accessible,” Akerele stated.

The chairman, who had been vocal about the need for discipline and decorum on the roads, reiterated the agency’s zero-tolerance policy towards those violating traffic rules, stressing that exercise is in the interest of all road users who deserve free and smooth movement across the metropolis.

The rigorous operation, however, was not without incident. During the course of the exercise, an officer of the agency sustained injuries after being attacked by a commercial bus operator who resisted impoundment of his vehicle.

The injured officer later received medical attention, and the perpetrator arrested for prosecution.

“We will not relent in our efforts to bring sanity to Lagos roads. The safety and well-being of road users is our priority, and we will take all necessary measures to ensure compliance with the state environmental laws,” Akerele stated.

The chairman therefore, urged all drivers, be it private or commercial, to drop off and pick up passengers at designated bus stops or risk having their vehicle impounded.

“Sanity on our roads is a collective responsibility. If you do the right thing, there is a great possibility that vehicles behind will tow that same line.

“Meanwhile, a total of 56 vehicles were impounded during the enforcement exercise while all seven suspects arrested for obstruction of justice will be charged to court,” Akerele stated.