As part of efforts to strengthen security and combat criminal activities in Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde has restricted the operations of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okada, between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. across the state.
The latest directive comes three weeks after armed men abducted about 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers during attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso on 15 May.
The Governor made the disclosure on Friday addressing the public in a video on the state’s security situation and efforts to secure the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted from their schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
“The decision formed part of additional security measures being introduced to enhance public safety in the state.
“Consequently, the operations of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, will now be restricted between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. throughout our state,” Makinde said.
Makinde assured residents that efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted teachers and pupils, describing their safe return as a priority for his administration.
The Governor also urged residents to support security agencies by providing useful information that could aid ongoing operations and report suspicious activities through the state’s emergency response channels.
“We can create laws and regulations, but their success ultimately depends on the cooperation of our people.
“This is another opportunity to remind us all that security is a shared responsibility. If you see something, say something, and authorities will do something.”
“Every day our teachers and children remain in captivity is a painful day for their families, their communities and all of us in our state,” he said. “I want to assure our people that efforts are ongoing around the clock, and that the safe return of those abducted remains a top priority of this administration.
“The state government continues to work closely with relevant security agencies but cannot disclose operational details because of the sensitive nature of the rescue efforts,” he added.
In demand for urgent resusce, the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to embark on an indefinite strike on 1 June, demanding the immediate rescue of the victims and stronger security measures across schools.
Veteran journalist and recipient of A.B.C Yola, Reporter of the Year Award (1997), Hassan Umar Shallpella, works with WAP as a Regional Correspondence. He was trained at Institute of Mass Communication and Technology Jos and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Training School Lagos.He was a News desk Editor and a Correspondent at the Punch newspaper and till 2019, was the Deputy Editor ofThe Scope newspaper.
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