Insecurity: Amotekun tells Ondo residents to be vigilant of lawless Okada riders

The security outfit alleged that commercial motorcyclists, following their ban in Ondo, were now “constituting nuisance in the state”.

Tosin Ajuwon • October 10, 2022

Commander of the Ondo Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye

Ondo Amotekun Commander, Adetunji Adeleye

The Amotekun Corps in Ondo says beleaguered commercial motorcyclists, otherwise known as ‘Okada riders’, now perpetrate crimes in the state in broad daylight.

This, the local security outfit said, followed the recent embargo placed on activities of the cyclists at night.

A fortnight ago, the government of governor Rotimi Akeredolu restricted the working hours of commercial motorcyclists from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. due to the rising insecurity in the state, especially in the capital city of Akure.

Mr Akeredolu also banned late-night clubbing in the state.

Speaking on Monday, Adetunji Adeleye, Commander of the Amotekun Corps in Ondo, said the cyclists are now “constituting nuisance” during the daytime since they have been banned from night operations.

“We have noticed that Okada riders are now constituting nuisance in the state and findings revealed, that their actions followed Amotekun’s resolve to prevent them from robbing innocent and unsuspecting citizens at night,” Mr Adeleye said, adding that “They have resorted to carrying out their nefarious activities in the daylight.”

According to him, no fewer than eighty motorcycles have been seized and their operators arrested for violating the government order on late-night operations in the state.

He advised residents of the state to be extra careful and vigilant while boarding commercial motorcyclists to obscure places, most especially that the yuletide season is approaching.

“The rate of criminal activities is becoming more alarming, especially now that the yuletide season is fast approaching.

“So, I want to appeal to residents of the state, to be extra careful while taking Okada to places that are not within the town, those are the areas where they unleash terror on their unsuspecting victims,” he added.

The Amotekun boss noted that the local security outfit was committed to ensuring peace and a crime-free society in Ondo.

He also urged the residents to always report all categories of abuse, robbery, and kidnap cases to the nearest Amotekun control posts in the state.

“So, we want to warn criminals to steer clear of the state as our men are battle-ready to crush them,” Mr Adeleye said.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.