Okada riders, security agencies brainstorm over incessant killings in Ekiti

Commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as okada riders in Ekiti State have raised the alarm over what they described as incessant killings being experienced by their members in the state, especially in the state capital, Ado-Ekiti.

The okada riders in an effort to nip the situation in the bud, yesterday held an emergency meeting with security agencies at the state capital to brainstorm and seek solution to the occurrence.

The development said to have been happening since February in the state is said to have claimed the lives of  no fewer than 23 okada riders, while the recent one reportedly occurred on April 22nd.

Chairman of Okada Riders Association in the state, Mr Kunle Asaolu, who gave the hint at the emergency meeting, said the meeting became necessary for safety and protection of okada riders in the state.

“23 commercial motorcyclists were killed and their motorbikes taken away within the last three months.

“Efforts are in top gear to fish out the culprits, and we have advised the commercial motorcyclists to abide by the security guidelines given by the police,” Asaolu said.

The Police in the state has warned the commercial motorcyclists against working in the evening especially when it is after 10 pm.

Chief Superintendent of Police, Victor Akinsanya, who gave the warning during the meeting said, “the high rate of killing of riders in the state capital calls for concern,  all hands must be on deck to fish out the perpetrators.”

Akinsanya added that, “commercial motorcyclists would not be allowed to work beyond 10 in the evening,” urging operators “to supply credible intelligence to security agencies to curb the menace.”

CSP Akinsanya also charged motorcycle riders, “to obey traffic rules, ensure registration of their motorcycles and desist from taking passengers to unknown locations.”