Govt Restricts Okada Operation In Ondo, Warn Vehicle Owners With Tinted Glasses

The Ondo State government has restricted the operation of commercial motorcycles popularly known as okada in the state to between 6am and 6pm until further notice.

Similarly, owners of vehicles with tinted glasses but without due permit from relevant security agents stand the risk of having their cars impounded if found on the roads.

This according to a statement by the State Commissioner for information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo is part of the government’s response to the rising rate of criminalities in Ondo.

He narrated that both residents and the government have become worried about the spike in criminal activities such as kidnappings, killings and robberies across the state, hence the need to adopt drastic measures.

Ojogo noted that the State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has approved the measures and anyone found guilty of the new directives will have his/her motorcycle/car impounded.

The statement reads that “The Ondo State Government has noted with concern, the worrisome spike in crime rate across the State. In particular, security reports at the disposal of Government are considered signs deserving of serious attention.

“Specifically, the last week witnessed an unimaginable upsurge in robbery, kidnapping and in some cases, murder. This is no doubt, condemnable.

“Government, therefore, urges all security agencies to come out and confront this abhorrent development. Every necessary support in terms of both human and logistics aids shall be provided to ensure the safety of residents within the State.

“As a Government, one major responsibility is the provision of security as well as protection of lives and property. In this regard, measures aimed at achieving such goals are the least Government can enunciate.

“Consequently, the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN has directed with immediate effect “That all commercial motorcycle operators, otherwise known as Okada, are to, henceforth, operate within the hours of 6 am and 6 pm.

“All vehicles with unauthorized tinted glasses are hereby banned from plying the roads. Every such vehicle without a duly certified permit issued by a relevant security agency shall be impounded.”

He also appealed for the cooperation of every resident and road user with the security agents as the challenge of tackling insecurity in the state is everyone’s responsibility, urging them to provide useful information on the hideout of criminals in their respective communities.

“Security enhancement and the war against insecurity are everybody’s responsibility. While the Government and the security agencies play their parts, it is expected that the citizens also support by way of collaborating with the relevant agencies of Government,” the statement added.