Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola could place a suspension in commercial motorcycle operators popularly called okada riders if they fail to document and register within two-weeks.
This comes after the recent looting and vandalism in the state which Oyetola blamed the motorcyclists for their role in transporting the perpetrators.
The lootings and vandalism are aftermath events of the #EndSARS protests hijacked by hoodlums after the shooting of peaceful protester at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos State by soldiers.
Speaking during a meeting with the leadership of the associations of commercial motorcycle operators in the State on Tuesday evening, the governor expressed his shock and displeasure at the way motorcycle operators allowed themselves to be used to cause unprecedented damages around the state in the last few days.
Oyetola then ordered the limitation of the operation of commercial motorcycle operators in the state to 8:00 pm daily.
Addressing the representatives of the Okada riders in the state, Oyetola said, “Security reports revealed that your members played major roles in the destabilization and breakdown of law and order that necessitated the imposition of curfew in the State.
“Your members were the ones who ferried looters from house to house to perpetrate evil. They were the ones who were paid to transport hoodlums to destroy people’s businesses.
“I can also confirm to you that even the attempt on my life was aided by some of your members, who after our escape from the mob, gave my convoy a long chase and attempted to block our movement at different points. We also have security reports that some of your members are involved in all forms of illicit activities like robbery, kidnapping, and ritual killings.
“Considering all these, the government cannot pretend that all is well because the primary duty of government is to ensure security of life and property of its citizens. That is why we are mandating all the various associations of commercial motorcycle in the state to document their members, register their bikes, issue them tags and reflective jackets with bold prints behind showing the different areas and unit of operation,” he said.
