The residents and business owners at Badejo Kalesanwo Street this afternoon were thrown into disarray after more than 10 vehicles belonging to drivers and other people on the street were towed away by more than 20 LASTMA and KAI officials.
People were thrown into fear as no one was sure what the main cause of raid was, and many shop owners quickly abandoned their shops and wares for the fear of being arrested.
Our correspondent who happened to be on the street shortly before the LASTMA and KAI officials left the street was able to gather information from some of the people who were affected.
Shop owners and other people gathered around the street and those we spoke to, said, they abandoned their shops because “Government Officials” have been instructed to pull down their shops.

A closer look, showed that no shops were pulled down. However we spoke to some vehicle owners. one of them whose hauling vehicle was seized, said they were not given any prior notice before this afternoon when the raid was carried out.

He said more than 10 vehicles were towed away and they are not sure what their fate is. This brings to mind questions as to, if this was authorized by government.

Shop owners on the street said, this was a normal practice by the LASTMA and KAI officials to milk money out of innocent people.
A woman who owns a food shop on the street said, cars are towed even when the driver parks properly just to buy food and go away.
Badejo Kalesanwo Street has a major large road which can carry two vehicles conveniently on both sides. It is also an industrial area, where haulage vehicles are needed, this is what one of those whose truck was taken away told our correspondent.

There are more than 20 trailers that had been parked on the road for several months, and the LASTMA and KAI officials did not deem it fit to tow those vehicles away, but vehicles which are functioning well, that could have been easily driven away were towed just milk money out of us, one vehicle owner complained bitterly.

A lot of drivers in Lagos are never sure of their rights when it comes to issue of LASTMA and KAI.

It is in the interest of the government to enlighten both the people and LASTMA officials especially about places where to park or not park as many LASTMA officials are unofficially using this as a means to make money for their personal use.

Not less than 10 vehicles were seized this afternoon and businesses interrupted as the officials raided the street.

Badejo Kalesanwo Street is major street leading from CAPPA to Ladipo in Matori Industrial Avenue.

Source: http://www.ackcitynews.com/2016/02/kai-and-lastma-officials-raids-matori.html