The Abia State government has empowered the Harmonised Task Force, in collaboration with security agencies, to impound any motorcycle found operating within the metropolitan cities of Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Tuesday, while briefing journalists in Umuahia on the outcome of this week’s state executive council meeting, presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Mr Kanu said any impounded motorcycle would be released only upon payment of a N50,000 fine within 30 days of impoundment.

He said that failure to pay within the stipulated period would result in forfeiture of the motorcycle to the state government.

He also said that the ban required all motorcycles, both private and commercial, to be registered under the state’s ongoing vehicle enumeration programme, which commenced about 18 months ago.

The commissioner explained that the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue would maintain a database of all enumerated motorcycles.

He said that reflective jackets or branded aprons, bearing unique identification codes, would be issued to operators across the three senatorial zones for easy identification.

Mr Kanu said that private, courier and delivery motorcycles would not be allowed to carry passengers under the new regulation.

He said that the state government, as a citizen-focused administration, had begun planning measures to cushion the effects of the restriction on commuters and operators.

He said that a steering committee, in collaboration with members of the Harmonised Task Force, would engage stakeholders, transport unions and members of the public to ensure proper sensitisation and enlightenment on the policy.

Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Comdr. MacDonald Ubah (rtd.) said the ban was in the overriding public interest, given the prevailing security challenges across the country.

Mr Ubah said intelligence reports indicated that criminal elements had increasingly used motorcycles to commit crimes.

He urged operators to comply with the registration process to ensure easy identification and accountability.

He also called on the media to support public sensitisation efforts.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the ban applied only to metropolitan cities.

Mr Ekeoma said the measure was introduced to strengthen security surveillance and curb criminal activity in urban centres.

 (NAN)