Ondo Bans Okada As State Sees ‘Unimaginable Upsurge’ In Crime

Following the spike in crime rate, the Ondo State government has banned operations of commercial motorcycle from 6pm to 6am in the state.

The state government is also seeking the supports of residents in ensuring the security of the lives and properties of the people.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation in the state, Donald Ojogo, disclosed this on Friday in a statement urging the residents to take responsibility by exposing the criminals within their environment.

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

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

Issuing a ban on unauthorised tinted glasses from plying the roads in the state, the state government said vehicles without duly certified permit allotted by relevant security agencies should be impounded.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was quoted to have directed all commercial motorcycle operators, also called Okada, to stop operating within the hours of 6pm to 6am.

Akerodolu, who urged all security agencies to come out and confront the challenge, assured that every necessary support in terms of human and logistics aids would be provided to ensure the safety of residents within the state.

According to the government, security is the responsibility of everyone.

“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.

“In this regard, residents of the state are urged to provide useful information about crime, criminal elements, and activities in their immediate environment. Let’s collectively keep our State safe; expose criminals,” the statement added.