The police command in Osun has alerted commercial motorcyclists in the state to be mindful of criminals posing as passengers to rob them of their motorcycles.

The warning was noted in a statement issued on Monday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Yemisi Opalola.

Ms Opalola explained that the warning became necessary due to the increasing number of reported cases of motorcycle snatching in Osun.

“The police command is using this medium to caution motorcyclists, especially the commercial ones (Okada), to be cautious of passenger(s) they carry or who employ their services.

“The modus operandi of the criminals involves hailing commercial motorcyclists and luring them to isolated areas late at night where they are forcefully dispossessed of their motorbikes.

”The unsuspecting riders are often offered enticing fares that they cannot refuse. These attacks in some cases have left the motorcyclists severely injured or even killed,” she said.

Ms Opalola said that CP Mohammed Abba has enjoined the leadership of the Okada Riders Association in the state to continually sensitise its members to avoid becoming victims of this trending crime.

“The command also advises them to report any suspicious passenger(s) and their activities to the nearest police station,” she said.

Ms Opalola added that the command was committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Osun residents and visitors.

She further said that the command was working tirelessly to apprehend and prosecute those involved in these heinous crimes.

(NAN)