News

LASTMA Cracks Down on Illegal Motor Parks, Impounds 40 More Vehicles

Published

10 months ago

June 21, 2024

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has impounded another 25 commercial and 15 private vehicles operating illegal garages and causing serious road obstructions around the Oyingbo, Ijora, and Idumota areas.

Taofiq Adebayo, spokesman for LASTMA, said this in a statement on Friday.

Mr Adebayo noted that the impounding of the vehicles in these areas was a decisive move by LASTMA to restore order and ensure the free flow of traffic.

He said the operation was led by Kayode Odunuga, the LASTMA head of enforcement, under the directives of Sola Giwa, the special adviser to the governor on transportation.

Mr Adebayo said that they were specifically directed at illegal garages, which had been a persistent source of congestion and inconvenience for residents and commuters.

He said the impoundment, which began in recent weeks, was part of a broader initiative by the Lagos government to enhance the efficiency of the city’s transportation network.

Mr Giwa emphasised that the government is committed to maintaining law and order on the roads and ensuring that all traffic regulations are strictly enforced.

“illegal garages have been a significant challenge in our quest to maintain a seamless traffic flow in Lagos. These impoundments send a strong message to all offenders that the state will not tolerate activities that disrupt public order and endanger the lives of our citizens.

“Our goal is to create a safe and orderly environment for all road users, and this action is a crucial step in that direction,” Mr Giwa said.

He noted that the targeted areas, Oyingbo, Ijora, and Idumota, are known hotspots for traffic congestion due to unauthorised parking and the establishment of makeshift garages.

He said that these activities not only obstruct the free movement of vehicles but also pose safety risks to pedestrians.

News

Midnight Fire Ravages Jos Terminus Market

Published

1 hour ago

April 30, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Adenike Lawal

A fierce fire swept through the iconic Jos Terminus Market overnight, reducing several sections to rubble and destroying goods worth millions of naira.

The blaze, which erupted shortly after 11 pm on Tuesday, raged for hours before firefighters were able to contain it in the early hours of Wednesday.

Traders arrived to scenes of devastation, with rows of shops gutted and livelihoods in ruins.

Eyewitnesses described a chaotic night as flames leapt through the market, intensified by tightly packed stalls and flammable goods.

Panic gripped the area as security and emergency responders battled the inferno.

Authorities are yet to confirm the cause of the fire, but investigations are expected to begin immediately. Many affected business owners are calling for urgent government support and tighter safety measures.

The Jos Terminus Market is one of Plateau State’s busiest trading centres, making the incident a major economic setback for the region.

Abuja Reports

FCTA Destroys 601 Bikes to Enforce Ban

Published

13 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Njoku Chijioke

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has crushed 601 motorcycles impounded for violating traffic rules and operating in restricted areas of Abuja.

The action, led by the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, is part of ongoing efforts to curb traffic lawlessness and eliminate the use of motorcycles for criminal activities in the capital.

Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Transportation Secretariat, Elechi Chinedum, said the crushing was backed by legal provisions empowering the government to seize and destroy offending motorcycles.

He stressed that enforcement would remain strict to protect public safety.

Director of the DRTS, Abdulateef Bello, explained that the ban on commercial motorcycles in key parts of Abuja has been in place since 2006 due to their frequent involvement in crime and road abuse.

“This is a routine measure. We will continue to impound and crush motorcycles used in defiance of the law,” Bello said.

The FCTA has warned operators to stay out of prohibited zones or face the same consequences.

News

AbdulRazaq Rallies Royals for Safer Kwara

Published

16 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Adenike Lawal

In a push for stronger security and grassroots governance, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday held a crucial meeting with the state’s top traditional rulers, calling for united action against rising threats.

Behind closed doors, the Governor and royal fathers discussed strategies to protect communities from the spillover of armed groups reportedly displaced by military operations near Kainji Park and other conflict zones.

Governor AbdulRazaq announced plans to involve traditional institutions more deeply in the state’s security structure.

He praised the rulers for their vigilance and urged them to mobilize their people for peace.

“We count on your leadership to help detect and prevent threats. Your influence is vital in keeping our communities safe,” the Governor said.

Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi the Second, speaking for the Council of Chiefs, pledged continued royal support for the administration’s development and security drive.

This engagement underscores the Governor’s vision to merge traditional wisdom with modern governance in building a peaceful and prosperous Kwara.