Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo State, has placed a ban on the activities of motorcyclists plying Ofosu-Ajebamidele route along Benin-Ore Expressway
NAN gathered that the move is part of the strategy adopted by the state government to curb criminal activities in the area.
The Benin-Ore Expressway is notorious for criminal activities, including banditry, kidnapping and robbery. Some of these activities have, in the past, linked to Fulani Herdsmen in the state.
A statement sent to NAN on Thursday, August 15, 2019, by the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Donald Ojogo said government took the step due to the activities of some unscrupulous elements who hide under the guise of engaging in motorcycle business, to perpetrate crime on the route.
Ojogo added that the action is with immediate effect and shall suffice until further notice, saying the police have been directed to apprehend anyone found wanting.
“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 Ofosu-Ajebamidele route along the Ore Expressway,” a statement by the government read.
“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 commerical motorcycles (Okada) along the entire stretch of the route in question. This action is with immediate effect and shall suffice until further notice.
“By this development, all activities of commerical 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.
“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”.
