Okada Rider Hangs Self

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A commercial motorcycle operator, also known as okada rider, in Kano, northwest Nigeria, has hanged himself after the recent ban on their operations in the city threw him into poverty and misery.

The man identified as Malam Ali Harazumi Hamisu hanged himself last Saturday to the consternation of his elder brother and other relatives.

Hamisu lost his means of livelihood when Kano State Government banned the operation of commercial motorcyclists in the city as part of efforts to curb terrorism.

Residents of Jaen Layin Makera, a tiny community in the suburb of the commercial city, said this was the first time they would witness such a tragic incident.

“We were surprised Hamisu could go to the extent of taking his own life. He was such a quiet and peace-loving man. Things went so bad for him when they banned commercial motorcycle operation in the city.

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“He could not find alternative means of livelihood so he was doing menial job to sustain his family. He must have taken that option out of frustration,” said Malam Ibrahim Abdullahi, his kinsman.

According to the elder brother of the deceased, Alhaji Yakubu Hamisu, the deceased depended solely on proceeds from his commercial motorcycle operation for survival before the sudden ban by the state government which ravaged him.

“The late Hamisu had separated from his wives and was unable to pay his house rent due to the loss of his job. His wives had to divorce him because he could no longer take care of their needs. I tried my best to help him but my earnings are so small to sustain my family and carter for his own needs.

“I feel so bad that my brother ended it all in this tragic manner. It is a big stain on the family name and Allah forbids it. However, I pray that Allah forgives him his sins and grants him eternal blessings,” Yakubu wept.

—Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

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