Hyacinth Chinweuba
The Federal Capital Territory, FCT Police Command has stressed that the ban on Okada has helped the Command to recorded remarkable progress in its fight against crime in the area.
Bala Ciroma FCT Commissioner of Police, while addressing the media said that while the Command has redoubled its effort by deploying proactive security measures that is helping to nip crime in the bud, the Command is assuring members of the public that the protection of their lives and property remains the core of its policing mandate.
He also commended the existing cooperation between the police and FCT residents, as it is in line with the principle of community policing, and it is contributing positively in the on-going fight against crime in FCT.
The Commissioner warned commercial motorcyclists popularly known as okada riders, that the Command will commence the vigorous enforcement of the Ministerial ban that restricts motorcycle operations to satellite towns.
“I also want to reiterate that the ministerial directive also bans the operation of motorcycles in the Federal Capital City (FCC) and all Expressways and Highways in the Federal Capital Territory.
This reminder is coming at the wake of recent observation made by the Command that despite the subsisting ministerial directive, okada riders still flagrantly extend their operations to the expressways and highways, especially around Lugbe, Kubwa, Deidei, Karu, Nyanya axis.” Ciroma observed.
He also, observed the lawless activities of some okada riders, who while illegally extending their operations to expressways violate traffic rules, causing avoidable accidents.
He said the riders are also notorious for mobbing and attacking other motorists with dangerous weapons, adding that henceforth the Command will not tolerate such an act of lawlessness.
He warned that those arrested in the process will be dealt with in accordance with the laws and that the Command has commenced investigation into the violent riot that led to the recent closure of Dutse market.
“The four (4) suspects arrested in connection with the unfortunate incident are currently under investigation and will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigation.
“It is therefore important to inform you that among the suspects to be paraded today are: two suspects arrested at Lugbe Zone 9 for assaulting some police personnel while responding to a distress call; three armed robbery suspects who robbed and killed a pregnant woman at Damakasa in Apo; three okada riders who alongside others now at large almost lynched a motorist at an accident scene; twelve suspects arrested for cult activities around Zuba; seven okada riders arrested in connection with the murder of an alleged motorcycle thief in Dutse Makaranta, among other cases.
The exhibits recovered include: two locally made pistols, two pump action, nine live cartridges, one dagger, four motorcycles, television sets, etc.”