Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has ordered an immediate ban on commercial motorcyclists, often known as Okada, operating inside the Umuahia and Aba metropolises.
Gov Otti said in a statement signed by Kazie Uko, his Chief Press Secretary, published on Sunday evening that any motorbike spotted on the streets of Umuahia and Aba townships being used for such a purpose will be seized by security forces from Monday, August 14, 2023.
He asked security officials in both cities to arrest anyone caught defying the order and prosecute them.
Although there was no explanation provided in the announcement for the restriction on the use of okadas, some reports claimed that it was a result of the state government’s efforts to combat crime in certain areas of the two cities.
The prohibition imposed by the state government has drawn criticism from those who claim that it would cause young unemployment to rise even more.
The critics also asked the Abia State government to make sure that the ban covers certain security officers as well as civilian okada riders.
cc: Daily Post Ng
