The Federal Capital Territory Administration ( FCTA) on Friday warned that commercial motorcyclists, otherwise known as okada riders, are still prohibited in Kubwa community, saying that violators risk severe punishment.
Recall that FCTA had approved the request of Bwari Area Council two years ago, when it complained that a lot of crimes were being committed with the help of okada riders.
Okada operation was then prohibited in Kubwa and Dutse communities, and this was followed by serious mop-up by the combined team of a task force headed by the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS).
The success of the operation was however lost after the tempo went down, resulting in huge resurgence of the cyclists in the two communities.
Senior Special Assistant on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement to the FCT Minister, Ikharo Attah, said the latest clampdown was a directive from the Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, that the illegalities associated with okada operation should be dealt with drastically.
Attah noted that there were reports from the police on several deaths traceable to okada riders in the community due to their recklessness and mob action, adding that the administration would no longer tolerate such act.
According to him, commercial motorcyclists are not allowed both in Kubwa and Dutse communities, and those who violate the law will be punished.
He disclosed that the operation will continue until sanity is restored in the communities.
He said, “Okada operation is not allowed in Kubwa and Dutse. With the strong synergy between the FCTA and Bwari Area Council, following their request two years ago, the operation will continue until sanity is restored.”
