When tragedy struck, the policemen were on their way to enforce the ban on commercial motorcycles on the route.

According to eyewitnesses, the authorities tried to impound some motorcycles at first, but the riders refused, prompting the policeman to shoot, ostensibly to disperse the over 100 commercial motorcycle riders.

A passenger in his 20s who was riding in a commercial bus on the other side of the street was struck by a stray bullet during this operation.

Other passengers, said to have sustained injuries, were rushed to the hospital.

The incident caused a stampede, as everyone took to their heels to avoid further disaster. Motorists, including commercial motorcyclists, abandoned their vehicles and fled for safety, while roadside traders abandoned their wares to the mercy of hoodlums who hijacked the opportunity to loot.

The policemen left the scene with some impounded motorcycles after realizing the gravity of their actions.

Rampaging protesters blocked Apapa’s roadway with a bonfire, denying passage to drivers heading outward.

Due to the ongoing construction on the axis, the traffic situation was made even worse.

Commuters had no choice but to trek from Mile 2 to Second Rainbow before boarding buses to their intended destinations due to the stampede.

The victim, who was wearing a multicolored shirt and black and white pants, was still lying in a pool of his own blood when reporters arrived at the scene at around 5 p.m, with onlookers clustering around to take a shot of him.

Armed policemen were seen manning the entrance of a police post to prevent protesters from invading it.

An eyewitness, Bukola Ayeni, who spoke with reporters, said: “Okada riders have become more daring. They have simply refused to comply with the directive of the state government on the ban. Seriously, I don’t understand these commercial motorcyclists. The government said they don’t want something, you are still doing it. Now see how the issue has led to the death of an innocent young man.”

On his part, another eyewitness, Samsudeen Mojeed, said: “Why would any sane Force storm here at this time to effect the arrest of okada riders? The only alternative means of going to Mile 2 and beyond now is okada. The whole road has been blocked, due to the construction work going on. Motorists spend at least four hours or more from Second Rainbow to Apapa, if they attempt to ply this route.

“I blame the construction company for the return of okada to this axis. The riders only hijacked the opportunity of the road construction to make some money. Government and its security agency should be sensitive when enforcing any policy.”

Confirming the incident, Director of Operations, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Peter Ola, said sanity had been restored, following the reinforcement of the military men.

According to Peter: “There was pandemonium in Amuwo Odofin axis as okada riders clashed with security operatives at about 1500hrs today (Monday).

“Security operatives were deployed to the location to restore normalcy.”

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Task Force, Mr. Raheem Gbadeyinka, said he was not aware of the incident, as he was in a marathon meeting earlier, but was unable to get back to our correspondent for confirmation as at press time.

The effort to reach the Lagos State Police Spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, on his mobile line, was abortive, as it rang without response.