*Govt reinforces ban on use of ‘okada’
Austin Ogwuda
27 September, 2011, Sweetcrude, Asaba- DELTA State Government has warned that henceforth any motor cycle operator found operating beyond 7pm would be arrested and prosecuted, noting that reports have shown that most of the crimes perpetrated in the state, ranging from bag snatching to bombings were carried out thorough the use of motorcycles for easy escape.
A trader based at Ogbeogonogo market Asaba was killed by gunmen on Monday morning and the suspects were believed to have escaped with the aid of motorcycle.
The order was given following last week’s meeting of the State Security Council in Warri where security situation including the threat by Boko Haram to strike the state was reviewed.
Secretary to Delta State Government, SSG, Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay, in a statement maintained that the ban prohibiting motorcycles from operating beyond 7pm became necessary, following reports that motorcycles were used for perpetuating various crimes ranging from snatching of bags and other valuables to armed robbery, assassinations and bombings.
The statement said that “the state government has observed that some persons had been flouting this directive and as a result, the State Security Council had directed that the ban on use of motorcycles beyond 7pm be strictly observed, while the state police command and other security agencies are to ensure strict compliance with the enforcement of this directive in the state”.
