The Adamawa State government has announced the ban on commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as okada in seven local governments of the state in a move designed to curb the spate of insurgency in the North Eastern state.
In the directive by Governor Bala Ngilari via statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Phineas Elisha, security agencies were urged to ensure full compliance with the ban in the affected local government areas which were given as: Hong, Gombi, Song, Girei, Numan, Demsa and Fufore.
Residents in the area have condemned the ban, stating that the directive would only increase the sufferings of the people.
A resident Bulus Yusuf said: “Many people running away from the insurgency in the affected local government areas particularly Hong, Gombi and Song rely on motorcycle due to shortage of vehicles. What do you expect such stranded people to do? I think government should reconsider this ban particularly at this critical moment.”
Another resident, Jummai Musa, said outlawing commercial motorcycles is not the solution to insurgency. She said: “Simply because Boko Haram are using motorcycles should not be an excuse to ban motorcycles as they are also using vehicles.
“If you look at Mubi for instance, there was a ban on motorcycles for the past one year but the insurgents still enter Mubi in daylight. We are suffering and any sensible government should not add to our sufferings.”
