BENUE MOTORCYCLE BAN: RESIDENTS REACT AS GOVT. RESTRICTS RIDERS
Jimmie Adzande
Residents of Makurdi, the BENUE state capital have expressed mixed reactions to the restriction placed on motorcyclists also known as Okada in the state.
The restriction limits the operations of commercial motorcycles from 6am to 8pm.
The operators have been blamed for contributing to the insecurity around the country as men of the underworld more often than not use bikes to perpetrate their crimes.
BENUE state has not been spared the negative impact of motorcycle operations in recent times, hence the restriction in the operational hours of operators.
A check around the city center reveals that while some say they have complied, others are still in the business beyond 8pm, against the government’s order.
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Although workers in the state like Garba Aondowase say the restriction is a good policy, they however noted that it does not favor those whose assignments run into the night.
Some of the riders who welcomed the development said the risk associated with the job is massive, as a result of criminal elements. Prince Shagbaor who is a motorcyclist says they are not spared of evil attacks and therefore call on those in the business to obey the order.
The Government of Benue State believes that the restriction in the operation of Okada riders from 6:am to 8: PM daily would help improve the security situation across the state. Most states in Nigeria have banned the use of commercial motorcycles in major cities.
