TheNewsGuru

Tag: motorcycles

  • Just In: Many allegedly injured as FCTA crushes over 470 okada

    Just In: Many allegedly injured as FCTA crushes over 470 okada

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Joint Task Force impounded and destroyed 470 motorcycles operating at Gosa village along Airport Road, Abuja.

    It was gathered that attempts by the motorcyclists to keep their motorcycles from being impounded led to a violent clash between them and security operatives.

    The task force was said to have stormed the community in a raid on Thursday as security operatives engaged them in a speed chase as okada operators fled into different directions to avoid being arrested.
    No fewer than 470 motorcycles were said to have been impounded in an exercise that started from the popular car wash bus stop in Lugbe, combing through Gosa, Bill Clinton drive, Trademore Estate, Lugbe junction as well as the Kubwa and its environs.

    It was learnt that several teargas canisters were shot by a combined team of personnel from the DRTS, Police, Civil Defence, DSS, and the Military to repel the irate motorcyclists who pelted the task force in the process with stones.

    Many of them sustained varying degrees of injuries while others were arrested.

    The Secretary Transportation Secretariat, Nya Ubokutom while addressing newsmen before the seized motorcycles were crushed at Area 1 round about, warned commercial motorcyclists to strictly limit their operations to the areas designated for them.

    He further explained that the Administration’s desire to develop a smart city devoid of all sorts of pollution cannot be achieved if illegalities are allowed to pervade the Federal Capital City.

    Also, the Director, FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services, Dr Abdulateef Bello said apart from the City Centre, commercial motorcyclists are not allowed to operate on any of the territory’s highways stating that the administration is determined to rid the entire FCT roads of okada operators.

    He, however, warned that one of the strategies to be deployed towards eliminating commercial motorcyclists from FCT roads is arresting passengers who patronise the business.

    Similarly, food vendors and passers-by took to their heels at Galadimawa round about on sightings the intimidating joint task force team as they arrived to carry out their operation.

  • FCTA clarifies crushing of impounded commercial motorcycles

    FCTA clarifies crushing of impounded commercial motorcycles

    The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), says the crushing of impounded commercial motorcycles popularly known as “Okada” was in line with the provisions of the law.

    Mrs Deborah Osho, the Head of Operations, DRTS made the clarification in an interview with NAN in Abuja on Sunday.

    Recall that the Joint Task Force Team of the FCTA on Aug. 31 impounded and crushed 400 commercial motorcycles for operating illegally in Abuja capital city.

    The crushing, according to the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Garba Haruna, who led the exercise was in line with the law banning operations of commercial motorcycles in the city.

    Similar exercises were carried out at different times in the past as part of enforcement of the ban of okada operations in the city centre.

    The Federal Capital Territory Road Transport Regulation, 2005, has specifically directed okada riders to operate only in designated areas.

    The then Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Information and Strategy, Hajiya Amina Salihu had announced the ban of okada from plying the city centre from Oct. 1, 2006.

    The city centre in the context of the FCT refers to the districts covered by the Phase 1 of the master plan.

    These are Wuse, Central Business District, Three Arms Zone, Maitama, Asokoro, Utako, Wuye, Garki, Diplomatic Zone, Mabushi, Katampe, Gwarinpa and Gudu.

    Salihu had explained that they were, however, allowed to operate in other areas of the FCT.

    Osho told NAN that the ban was still in force, adding that part of the enforcement was to crush impounded okada within the confines of the law.

    She said that the operators were allowed to operate freely in areas like Gwagwalada, Bwari, and Nyanya among other suburbs of the FCT, stressing that any okada impounded within the city would be crushed.

    She added that the law provided two grounds for crushing impounded motorcycles – those impounded for constituting security threats, and those impounded with a Court forfeiture Order.

    The official explained that the ban became necessary following a public outcry that the Okada operators were constituting a menace in the city.

    She said that motorcycles were used by criminals as means of quick getaway from crime scenes, and kidnappings in residential areas of the city.

    “They were also used for many criminal activities including snatching valuables and mobile handset from unsuspecting passersby.

    “This is in addition to the rising numbers of casualties from accidents involving Okada riders,” she said.

    The head of operations said that security agencies had tagged the commercial motorcycles as constituting a security threat within the city and wanted them off the city routes.

    On whether the operators were aware of the ban and the consequences when caught, Oshio said that riders were well sensitised even before the enforcement of the ban in 2006.

    She added that security and government agencies equally held series of meetings with their leadership, reminding them of the ban and what could happen once an okada was impounded.

    She advised residents against patronising Okada for their safety and those buying motorcycles for the riders to stop, saying “we will continue to crush them whenever we impound them.

    On his part, the Secretary, Command and Control of the FCTA Enforcement Task Force, Mr Peter Olumuji, also said that crushing the impounded motorcycles was to strengthen enforcement of the ban.

    Olumuji explained that earlier, when a motorcycle was impounded, the owner would face a mobile court where he or she would be fined N2000 or N3000.

    He added that after paying the fine, the okada would be released to the owners and they would be back on the streets.

    He said to address the challenge, the ban was amended to include forfeiture of impounded commercial motorcycles to the FCTA.

    “This means that once an okada is impounded, it becomes the property of the FCTA.

    “While this appeared to solve the problem, it also came with a challenge, following allegations that officials of DRTS collect bribes and release the motorcycles to the owners.

    “It was to address this problem that security agencies and the enforcement taskforce opted for crushing of impounded okada.

    “This did not only solve the problem of alleged corruption in the seizures, but also the question of economic losses,” he said.

    The secretary explained that after the motorcycles were crushed, they would be sold to recycling companies and the money deposited in a government account.

  • Terrorists invade mosque, kill 15 persons in Zamfara state

    Terrorists invade mosque, kill 15 persons in Zamfara state

    No fewer than  15 persons were reportedly killed when bandits open fire at worshipers on Friday, during Jummah service in the North West of Zamfara State.

    It was gathered that the incident occurred in Ruwan Jema town in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara, when the Muslim worshippers were praying.

    According to an eyewitness, the terrorists rode on Motorcycles and came in droves to the mosque, opening fire on the worshippers who came to observe the jummah service.

    The source said, “The terrorists, who rode on motorcycles invaded the mosque and opened fire on worshippers, leading to the death of 15 persons on the spot, while many other victims sustained various degrees of injuries.”

    Recall that the Military has launched a massive bombardment of terrorists’ bases and hideouts in the state.

    As at when filing the report, the police in Zamfara state is yet to confirm the report.

     

     

  • Banditry: Gov Bello bans sale of motorcycles in Niger State

    Banditry: Gov Bello bans sale of motorcycles in Niger State

    Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello, has ordered the immediate ban on the sale of motorcycles across the state.

    This follows the incessant security challenges in parts of the state, in addition to the demands for motorcycles as ransom by bandits and kidnappers in recent times.

    The Secretary to the State Government, Ahmed Matane, announced the ban in a statement on Saturday in Minna, the state capital.

    He explained that the state government announced the additional measure to eradicate the activities of criminals and tackle bandits and kidnappers who have continued to attack innocent residents in the state.

    The government, Matane stated, has condemned in strong terms the degree of carnage and pandemonium bandits and kidnappers have caused in some parts of the state and reiterated its continued determination to rid the state of any security threat.

    “Government is aware of the inconveniences the measure would cause the people, but the decision was taken in the overall interest of the state and appeals to the dealers of motorcycles across the state to cooperate with the directive,” he said.

    The SSG also called on the people of the state to cooperate with the security agencies on the measures put in place to put an end to the activities of criminal elements, saying it was for the benefit of all and sundry.

    He said the government has also ordered security agencies in the state to ensure effective and strict compliance and enforcement of the ban.

    Similarly, Matane reaffirmed that the activities of commercial motorcycle riders, popularly known as okada or Kabu-Kabu in Niger, as well as the operation of illegal garages, remained banned in Minna metropolis and its environs.

    The ban comes after the state government restricted the movement of all motorcycles from 6pm to 6am – a directive that is still in force.

  • Lagos taskforce impounds 204 motorcycles, arrests 50 hoodlums

    Lagos taskforce impounds 204 motorcycles, arrests 50 hoodlums

    The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit Taskforce has arrested 50 hoodlums and impounded 204 motorcycles.

    A statement in Lagos on Sunday by Mr Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, Head, Public Affairs Unit, said the hoodlums were arrested during raids on black spots.

    It also said that the taskforce unit had commenced tactical enforcement code named, “Operation Kogberegbe” to ensure a hitch-free festive season.

    The statement said, “Operation Kogberegbe” would clamp down on illegal ticketers on the state’s highways, street urchins popularly known as ‘area boys’ and motorcyclists plying restricted routes.

    “The unit commenced its tactical and strategic enforcement for compliance operations this week with code name, “Operation Kogberegbe”.

    “This is to instil discipline and entrench sanity in the state, with a view to achieving the state’s vision of zero tolerance for criminal elements, hideouts, okada operation on restricted routes, and other environmental law offenders in the state,” it said.

    The statement disclosed that over 204 motorcycles known as okada were impounded at Ojodu Berger, Ketu Alapere, Agric, Allen Avenue, Ikeja for plying restricted routes/roads and violating the state traffic laws.

    “Enforcement officers were attacked by hoodlums in collaboration with okada riders at the Ojodu Berger area but they were subdued due to the superior tactical and systemic strategies of his men,” it added.

    It noted that the restricted routes had been published several times to avoid unnecessary excuses of not being aware of the state laws on restriction by okada operators.

    “Some offenders turned deaf ears and all efforts put in place by the enforcement agency to sensitise, educate and enlighten them to see the dangers of plying on the highways proved abortive.

    “All the restricted routes will be closely monitored to rid the state of okada riders’ menace which could lead to needless loss of lives and serious security challenges.

    “This week’s activities are a signal to all recalcitrant environmental laws offenders who circumvent government rules and regulations as provided by regulatory provision of the law, that such offenders shall be made to face the full wrath of the law,” it stated.

    The statement noted that the unit raided some black spots at the Oshodi area, Mile 12 and other trouble spots in the state where hoodlums were arrested with charms, machetes and other harmful weapons.

    “All the suspects will be charged to court for various offences and for disturbing the public peace.

    “The agency will not rest on its oars until all recalcitrant okada operators tow the line of best practices and the state is free from hoodlums, streets urchins known as area boys,” it said.

  • El-Rufai shutdown telecoms services in parts of Kaduna, bans motorcycles

    El-Rufai shutdown telecoms services in parts of Kaduna, bans motorcycles

    Kaduna State Government has shut down telecommunication services in some parts of the state as part of critical measures towards ending banditry in their identified hideouts.

    The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said the decision was taken on Wednesday after a meeting with relevant federal agencies who recommended the shutting down of telecom services ahead of the commencement of military onslaught against bandits.

    He explained that the shutting down of telecom services is part of many steps taken to address the current security situation in Kaduna State and neighbouring states in the North-West and North-Central regions.

    “The relevant federal agencies have today informed the Kaduna State Government that the processes for telecoms shutdown in parts of the state have commenced,” Mr Aruwan said.

    “As part of the steps to address the current security situation in Kaduna State and neighbouring states in the North-West and North Central, Kaduna State State Government has held several meetings with security agencies to adopt critical measures towards crushing bandits in identified hideouts”.

    The commissioner also announced the immediate ban of commercial and private motorcycles for a period of three months across the state as well as the regulation of the schedule for commercial tricycle operators from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm daily.

    In addition, he said all commercial tricycles are to remove curtains in their tricycles.

    Similarly, the government said all vehicles used for commercial transportation must be painted in yellow and black within 30 days, while vehicles used for hiring services are to carry yellow and black stripes.

    Other measures put in place according to the Commissioner, include the ban on the sale of petrol in jerry cans or other containers in Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Chikun, Igabi, Kachia, Kagarko and Kajuru Local Government Areas.

    The government appealed to residents to endure the severe strain and inconvenience the security measures will place on peaceful and law-abiding citizens, adding that difficult times have demanded that difficult decisions be made.

  • Customs intercepts 202 motorcycles from suspected bandits in Katsina

    Customs intercepts 202 motorcycles from suspected bandits in Katsina

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) has intercepted 202 motorcycles from suspected bandits and their collaborators in Katsina State between August and September.

    The Acting Controller of the state command, Alhaji Chedi Wada, who disclosed this on Friday in Katsina, said that the motorcycles, mostly Boxers and Jencheng models, were confiscated around forests close to border areas.

    “We suspected that the motorcycles were used for conveyance of petrol, food items and smuggled items to bandits in the forest.

    “Most of the people we seized the machines from fled and no one came to claim the motorcycles,’’ the controller said.

    Wada said the command is working assiduously in ensuring that no contraband or illegal item is brought into the country through any of the borders in the state.

    “The fight against banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other forms of crimes and criminal acts in the state and the country in general is a collective effort.

    “The custom service, like any other security agency, also has a stake in it.

    “Here in Katsina state, we are determined despite all odds; we will make sure we assist to bring the bandits and other criminals to their knees,” Chedi said.

  • Insecurity: Jigawa restricts movement of motorcycles in 27 LGAs

    Insecurity: Jigawa restricts movement of motorcycles in 27 LGAs

    The Jigawa State Government has restricted the movement of motorcycles from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am in all the 27 Local Government Areas over the rising insecurity in the state.

    The state Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Bala Chamo, disclosed this on Wednesday during an interview with journalists in Dutse.

    Chamo, who is also the chairman of Dutse Local Government Council, said that the measure was taken after the state’s Security Council observed the increasing number of security threats and decided to take steps to curtail them.

    “Most of the attacks we recorded in the state are being carried out using the motorcycles by the attackers,” he said.

    “The abductors who recently kidnapped one traditional title holder in Taura, a renowned businessman in Zango in Miga local government and several other places in recent times in the state were found using bikes.

    “The ban has become imperative to checkmate the activities of criminals terrorizing some parts of the state.

    “Considering the present security issue, there is a need to gear up security measures from the state down to our local level as we are recording several security concerns”.

    Chamo also noted that commercial motorcycle riders in the state were duly informed through their leadership, warning that anybody found violating the new order would face the wrath of the law as all security agencies were directed to ensure total compliance in all the nooks and crannies of the state.

    According to him, the new order which would take effect from September 9 across the 27 local government areas would involve both private and commercial motorcycles.

  • Lagos to deploy 500 mini buses to replace motorcycles, tricycles from next week

    Lagos to deploy 500 mini buses to replace motorcycles, tricycles from next week

    The Lagos State Government has announced that it would launch buses to replace motorcycles popularly known as Okada and tricycles known as Keke to ply inner roads in the state.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed this on Monday during a security stakeholder’s town hall meeting in Ikeja, adding that over 500 minibusses would be deployed next week.

    He said the move is to alleviate the pain residents of the state go through following the restriction of motorcycle and tricycle operations.

    “We are excited to announce that next week, we will be launching what we term the ‘Last Mile Buses’ that will ply inner roads and safely get commercial passengers to their final destinations,” he said.

    “We envisage deploying over 500 of these buses to alleviate the pain associated with the restriction of motorcycle and tricycle operations.

    “We also envisage that this initiative will also generate employment opportunities for Lagosians, including the commercial motorcyclist operators, who will be employed as operators of the Last Mile Buses.”

    The governor said his administration would relaunch the State Residents Card very soon, to ensure that the database of Lagos residents is kept up to date.

    According to him, the database will form a critical part of the state’s security architecture, noting that it will ensure that the government knows who is who, at any point in time.

    On cultism-related activities, Sanwo-Olu recalled that he “recently signed into law the Prohibition of Unlawful Societies and Cultism Act of 2021.”

    He said the move was necessitated by the fact that criminal gangs have been unleashing violence and causing mayhem in and around the state.

    He added, “The law prescribes a 21-year jail term for convicted cultists. The new law strengthens the penalties applicable to cultists, and expands coverage to the entire society, unlike the old law which was restricted to cultism by students of tertiary institutions.

    “With the passage of this new law, it will help in widening the dragnet in the hunt and prosecution of these nefarious gangs intent on sowing fear and chaos in the State.”

  • Gunmen on motorcycles attack four Niger villages, kill 21, kidnap 40

    Gunmen on motorcycles attack four Niger villages, kill 21, kidnap 40

    Gunmen numbering over 100 on Monday invaded and attacked four communities in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State killing 21 villagers and abducting 40 other.

    Sources said that the attack which occurred on Monday evening had many other villagers injured.

    It was gathered that over 100 gunmen stormed the four communities of Kurebe, Sabon Gida, Sararai and Rafin Kanya at different times on Monday.

    The gunmen came in their usual style of riding motorcycles and shooting sporadically into the air causing the people to scamper away to safety.

    An eyewitness said that there was confusion especially as the bandits went from one house to another shooting and abducting people.

    “They seem to know who they were looking for. It was very terrible. I sustained an injury on my legs and I am currently receiving treatment”, a village source who witnessed the attack said.

    Secretary to the Niger State Government, Ahmed Ibrahim Matane also confirmed the incident.

    He said that the number of people killed or abducted is currently unknown adding that government is putting in mechanism to bring an end to the incessant bandit attacks.

    The Co-Convener of Concerned Shiroro Youths, Sani Abubakar Yusuf Kokki also confirmed the attack saying it was a day of total blackout in Shiroro local government area.

    He lamented that terrorists have continued to have a field day in the council sacking the communities with gusto and crass impunity.

    “Arising from the nefarious activities of these bandits, Internally Displaced Persons are conspicuously littered everywhere, helter-skelter and scampering for peace and safety. Unfortunately, nothing is being done by the authorities concerned to salvage the ugly situation,” he added.