By Akeem Oduyoye
At least 20 commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada riders, have lost their lives to criminals within three weeks in the state in Ondo State
The Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed the development to newsmen on Wednesday.
Adeleye, who stated that the Okada riders were killed by criminals who tried to snatch their motorcycles, added that the rate at which commercial motorcyclists have become targets of criminals is alarming.
While stating that there need to take measures against it, the Amotekun Commander further revealed that most of the attacks occurred at night in various parts of the state.
He maintained that, towards stemming the menace, operatives of the security outfit have begun enforcement of the ban on the operations of commercial motorcyclists from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Apart from efforts to curb the activities of criminals, Adeleye stressed that unregistered vehicles as well as tinted vehicles without a police permit plying roads across the state would be impounded.
“The ban from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. for use of Okada and 6 p.m. remains in force as put in place by the government.
“Motorcycles that are not on ensential duties are not to ply the streets, except you’re on essentials duties.
“In the last three weeks, we have recorded over 20 Okada riders being killed. Also, their motorcycles were taken away. It is even risky to try to ride Okada at night.
“We want to appeal to Okada riders, if you have worked for 12 hours, please go and rest so that we can identify criminals more easily.”