Ondo Security Challenges: CSOs Insist Okada Ban Not Solution

By Ayodele Oni 

Civil Societies Organizations (CSOs) in Ondo state have observed that the order by the state government to restrict working hours of commercial motorcycles popularly known as okada, is misguided and anti-poor.

In the wake of a surge in kidnappings being experienced in virtually all parts of the state, which has claimed life of a monarch, the state government announced the restriction of movement of okada operations.

The ban, according to the state commandant of Amotekun, Adetunji Adeleye was on the use of motorcycles at night. 

He stated “The operational use of motorcycles within Ondo State is prohibited between the hours of 7pm and 6am. This restriction shall apply across the state except for security agencies and other persons of category specifically exempted by the government.”

Campaign for Democracy (CD) and Conference of Nigerian Civil Rights Activists (CNCRA) condemned the state government’s decision to enforce a nighttime motorcycle ban, describing it as a misguided and knee-jerk reaction to the state’s insecurity challenges.

In a joint statement signed by Ifeanyi Odili,  the groups questioned the logic behind the ban, pointing out that most kidnappings and other serious crimes in the state are committed using cars, not motorcycles. 

“It’s baffling that the government is targeting the poor okada riders while the real culprits are roaming free in their fancy cars,” the statement read.

The Rights Activists noted that victims of kidnapping have recounted being abducted and transported in cars, and security agencies have failed to provide evidence of arresting kidnappers on motorcycles. 

“The police and other security agencies cannot claim to have arrested kidnappers on okada. It’s a narrative that doesn’t add up.”

The groups acknowledged that while motorcycles are sometimes used for petty crimes, this doesn’t justify a blanket ban that punishes law-abiding citizens. 

“The government should focus on addressing the root causes of insecurity, not scapegoating the poor and vulnerable.”

The CD and CNCRA are calling on the government to immediately lift the ban and instead focus on enforcing stricter regulations on cars, which are more likely to be used for serious crimes.

 “Cars should be stopped and searched thoroughly throughout the state. Many cars have dangerous weapons in them, and it’s time the government started taking a more intelligent and targeted approach to security.”

The organizations expressed concern that the ban would disproportionately affect the lower class, who rely heavily on motorcycles as a means of livelihood and transportation.

 “This is a clear case of the government punishing the poor for the crimes of the rich.”

The Activists demand that the government engage with stakeholders, including motorcycle operators and civil society organizations, to find a more effective and equitable solution to the state’s security challenges.