Ondo Govt Bans ‘Okada’ Operations At Night To Tackle Insecurity

Amid worsening insecurity, the Ondo State government has banned the operation of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as ”Okada”, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. as part of measures aimed at tackling insecurity the state.

The ban was announced yesterday by the Ondo State Security Network Agency commandant, Adetunji Adeleye, during the parade of 70 suspects arrested for various offences across the state.

According to Adeleye, the restriction takes immediate effect and applies to all motorcycle operators except security agencies and other essential services specifically exempted by the government.

Adeleye noted that the decision followed intelligence reports linking some criminal activities, including kidnapping and armed robbery, to the use of motorcycles, particularly at night.

He disclosed that all motorcycle operators in the state have been given two weeks to register with the security network agency and obtain certification to operate legally.

The registration, he said, will be free within the two-week window, after which operators will be required to pay N20,000 to the state’s Board of Internal Revenue for proper documentation.

He said “The government of Ondo State has decided that in order to checkmate the nefarious activities of kidnappers, hand-robbers, and criminals within the state, there will be a restriction to the use of motorbikes or Okada from 7pm to 6am.

“This comes into effect immediately and all Okada riders have two weeks to register and collect certified documents of eligibility to use Okada within Ondo States within two weeks.

‎”After two weeks, they will be made to pay to the Board of Internal Revenue a sum of N20,000 for registration. But for the next two weeks from now, it’s going to be free. We want all Okada riders properly documented.”

‎The agency also announced a ban on cart pushing in major metropolitan areas, mandatory registration for scrap metal dealers and a prohibition on the display of farm produce in unauthorised places.

‎”In the same way, cart pushing in major metropolises is banned. Mandatory registration of gears and regulation of activities of scrap metal buyers is going to be enforced, and display of farm produce in unauthorised places is prohibited,” he added.

‎Speaking on the arrested suspects, Adeleye disclosed that out of the 70 suspects paraded, 18 were arrested for alleged involvement in kidnapping-related offences in different parts of the state.

‎The commander added that 39 suspects were arrested for offences relating to breach of law and order, while one suspect was apprehended for violating the anti-grazing law and another for human trafficking.

‎He further revealed that 11 other suspects were arrested in connection with court-related matters during operations conducted across the 18 local government areas of the state.