Akeredolu restricts operation of okada in Ondo over insecurity

Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo, has restricted the operation of commercial motorcycles, better known as okada, in the state.

The governor also banned cars with unauthorised tinted glasses from plying the roads.

According to a statement by Donald Ojogo, his commissioner for information and orientation, operators will henceforth operate between 6am and 6pm daily.

The governor said the restriction became necessary following a spike in crime across the state.

“The Ondo State Government has noted with concern, the worrisome spike in crime rate across the State. In particular, security reports at the disposal of Government are considered signs deserving of serious attention. Specifically, the last week witnessed an unimaginable upsurge in robbery, kidnapping and in some cases, murder. This is no doubt, condemnable”, the statement read.

“Government, therefore, urges all security agencies to come out and confront this abhorrent development. Every necessary support in terms of both human and logistics aids shall be provided to ensure the safety of residents within the State.

“As a Government, one major responsibility is the provision of security as well as protection of lives and property. In this regard, measures aimed at achieving such goals are the least Government can enunciate.

“Consequently, the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN has directed with immediate effect that all commercial motorcycle operators, otherwise known as Okada, are to, henceforth, operate within the hours of 6am and 6pm. In other words, none in this category shall operate beyond 6pm in the evening. Anyone found flouting this directive shall have his motorcycle impounded.

“That all vehicles with unauthorized tinted glasses are hereby banned from plying the roads. Every such vehicle without a duly certified permit issued by a relevant security agency shall be impounded.

Akeredolu asked residents of the state to provide useful information about criminal elements to security agencies.