14th February, 2016
Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
Following increasing cases of crime and cult clashes perpetrated by users of motorcycles, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has banned the operation of commercial motorcyclists, popularly called ‘Okada’ riders between 5pm and 8am daily in four local government areas of the state for security reasons.
The ban takes effect from Sunday, 14 February, 2016.
The affected four local government areas include: Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Ogba/Egbema /Ndoni.
A statement by Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media, said that the ban on the operation of ‘Okada’ in these local government areas is indefinite.
Governor Wike has directed security agencies to enforce the ban.
The governor regrets any inconveniences the ban will cause residents, businesses and commercial motorcyclists in these local government areas.
He called on all stakeholders in the affected local government areas to cooperate with the state government and security agencies to improve the security situation in their communities.
There have been robbery attacks, cult clashes resulting in a number casualties in the aforementioned local government areas.
At least 15 persons have been killed in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area of the state in recent times.