BRT bus attack blamed on Okada riders, according to Lagos police

The Lagos State Police Command has announced that suspected motorcyclists, commonly known as Okada riders, whose bikes were seized, are believed to be behind the alleged attack on a BRT bus in the Orile area, on August 14, 2024.

The Command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, revealed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos, today.

Hundeyin clarified that the incident was not an armed robbery but a response by the suspected motorcyclists to the seizure of their bikes.

He explained that the Lagos State Taskforce on Environment and Special Offences Enforcement Unit had raided commercial motorcyclists using BRT lanes and other restricted roads.

This action led to the seizure of several motorcycles.

He claimed that some of the motorcyclists, who resisted the police during the raid because of their positions, were arrested.

“Some of these motorcyclists became angry and mobilised themselves to protest.

“The nearest Lagos State Government facility they encountered was the approaching BRT bus.

“They forced the driver to stop and attacked the bus.

“The driver, not feeling confident enough to drive through them, stopped and fled the bus, allowing the riders to vandalise the windows of the BRT.

“While there are claims that some passengers were robbed in the bus, no one has come forward to report this to the police,” he said.

The BRT attack

On August 14, 2024, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus in Lagos was attacked by hoodlums, leading to a terrifying experience for the passengers on board.

The incident occurred in broad daylight around the Alaba Suru area.

The bus, identified by the registration number 240216, was en route from the Mile 2 Terminal to Lagos Island.

The attack began when the assailants, described as a large group of young men, suddenly started pelting the bus with stones, shattering its windows.

The situation quickly escalated as the hoodlums forced the bus to stop and proceeded to rob the passengers of their belongings, including phones and other valuables.

Several passengers and bus staff were injured during the attack.

The incident, captured in a viral video shared on social media, prompted a response from Lagos State authorities.

The Lagos State Task Force, led by CSP Tayo Akerele, was deployed to enhance security along BRT routes, especially around the area where the attack took place.

This incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Lagos, particularly concerning the safety of public transportation systems like the BRT.

About BRT

The introduction of BRT system in Nigeria, specifically in Lagos, marked a significant milestone in the nation’s public transportation infrastructure.

The BRT system in Lagos, launched in March 2008 under Governor Babatunde Fashola, was the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.

It was designed to address the chronic traffic congestion and the inefficiency of the existing public transport system, dominated by the chaotic danfo minibuses.

Implementation and features

The Lagos BRT system was implemented through a public-private partnership.

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) provided the infrastructure, while private operators managed the buses and daily operations.

The initial phase covered a 22-kilometer route from Mile 12 to CMS (Central Business District).

It utilized dedicated lanes, ensuring faster and more reliable travel compared to regular road traffic.

The system was designed to function similarly to a light rail service but on the road.

BRT buses run on dedicated lanes, minimizing interference from other vehicles, which helps maintain consistent and rapid transit times.

This setup has cut commuter travel times by up to 40% compared to traditional methods, according to some reports.

Impact and success

The introduction of BRT in Lagos has had a profound impact on public transportation in the city.

The system initially operated with 220 buses and quickly became a popular mode of transport, especially among the lower-income population.

Daily ridership quickly exceeded projections, with over 200,000 passengers using the service daily in its early years.

The system has transported over 400 million passengers overtime, saving time in traffic and enhancing overall mobility and economic efficiency.

The success of the Lagos BRT system has led to calls for its expansion to other city corridors.

Plans are underway to extend BRT services to new routes, including from Mile 12 to Ikorodu.

Challenges

Despite its success, the Lagos BRT system has faced challenges.

These include issues with maintaining the dedicated lanes, as other vehicles sometimes encroach on them, leading to delays.

Concerns include bus maintenance, operation, and the need for ongoing infrastructure investment to meet growing demand.

The BRT system in Lagos represents a significant advancement in Nigeria’s public transportation sector.

It has offered reliable, efficient, and affordable transport for millions of Lagosians, setting a precedent for similar initiatives nationwide.

However, its success relies on overcoming operational challenges and expanding the system to meet the growing needs of the city’s population.

The Lagos BRT’s comprehensive approach has set a model for urban transit in rapidly growing African cities.

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