The Ondo state government has threatened to deal decisively with Commercial motorcyclists known as okada riders who are defying Governor Akeredolu Oluwarotimi’s directive that they should close at 6pm daily due to the growing insecurity in the state aftermath of #EndSars protest.
Akeredolu had restricted operation time of okada riders in the state to between 6am and 6pm and also bar private individuals from using tainted cars.
But many okada riders were sighted carrying passengers till after 9pm on Friday and even last night.
Some of them who refused to give their names said they carried more passengers at night than during the day.
They urged Governor Akeredolu to fish out the criminals instead of restricting their working hours.
However reacting, the Special Adviser to Governor Akeredolu on Special Duties, Dr. Doyin Odebowale, insisted that any okada rider caught violating the directive would be made to face the music.
Dr. Odebowale said motorcycles of defaulters would be impounded.
According to him, “The government has been compelled to take the decision because of growing insecurity in the state especially in Akure, the capital city.
“In the last four days, robbery incidences have been linked to motorcycle riders. Whoever wants to test the will of the government will be detained.
“What is happening in the country now is unfortunate. We still have to appeal to security agencies to come and assist us. All of us invited this problem on ourselves. We say ENDSARS and it ended but they were killing people. Policemen were killed, roasted and eaten. Society has been so hypocritical,” Odebowale said.
