By Julius Alabi Akure
The Ondo State government has banned motorcyclists (okada) from plying Ofosu-Ajebamidele route along Benin-Ore Expressway as part of steps to curb criminal activities in the area.
In a statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, noted that the government has observed with serious concern, the activities of some unscrupulous elements who have hidden under the guise of engaging in motorcycle business, popularly known as Okada, to perpetrate crime on the route.
“Disturbed by the activities of these criminal elements which include armed robbery, kidnapping, their mode of operations as well as the heightening cases of loss of lives, the Ondo State Government has placed a total ban on commercial motorcycles (Okada) along the entire stretch of the route in question.”
According to him, the action is with immediate effect and shall suffice until further notice.
“By this development, all activities of commercial motorcyclists are henceforth, restricted to internal confines of Ore town and other communities in the area.
“Security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police, are consequently directed to apprehend forthwith, anyone who flouts this restriction order.”
Ojogo said, “Government appeals to the general public to co-operate with security agencies in the enforcement of this action in order to stem the growing rate of criminal activities along the area.”
