The Amotekun Corps in Ondo says it has impounded no fewer than 80 commercial motorcycles (Okada) for violating the restriction order of the government. 

The seizure came after the governor Rotimi Akeredolu-led state government ordered a ban on the movement of commercial motorcyclists at night due to the prevailing security situation, mostly in the capital, Akure. 

Last month, the government announced a restriction of 6 pm and 6 am for cyclists otherwise known as “Okada riders”, while also placing a ban on nightclub activities. 

Speaking on Wednesday in Akure, the Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, explained that intelligence carried out by the security agencies had shown that some of the commercial motorcyclists had been behind most of the recent criminal activities in the state. 

Mr Adeleye said the operatives of the local security outfit placed at some of the strategic locations in Ondo arrested the violators. 

“So, we are going back by 7 pm today, all our men would be on all major junctions and inner land to effect the arrest again,” the Amotekun boss said. 

According to him, the development was a move to rid Ondo of criminally minded persons and groups using the dark as cover to perpetrate evil. 

Mr Adeleye noted that only law enforcement agents or those on essential duties bearing their identification cards would be allowed to move at the restricted time.

“No movement of Okada again; that way, anybody seen with Okada at night will be assumed as a criminal and will be handled as such. 

“There shall be no nightclubbing after midnight as it is compulsory for every night clubber to go home at night,” he said. 

Activities of the commercial motorcyclists majorly at night have been a concern to residents of Ondo in recent time especially as the festivity period approaches. 

It was learned that most of the cyclists rob their passengers and dispose them of their personal belongings.