FCT impounds motorcycles in Idu axis to curb robbery

To curb the alleged robbery by motorcycle riders, popularly known as ‘okada’ riders, government of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja has impounded several motorcycles in the Idu area.

The Head of Operations, Directorate of Road Traffic Services, DRTS, Deborah Osho Deborah stated that the operation was carried out to clear miscreants that usually disguise to attack innocent citizens in area.

Osho reaffirmed that the use of ‘Okada’ for transport remained banned in unauthorised districts in the nation’s capital.

In her words, “We cannot be tired. It is our mandate to rid the FCC, especially of commercial motorcycles, and that is what we are doing. As long as they continue violating the rules and laws of traffic and transportation in the FCT, we will continue picking them up.

“Idu NASENI, EFCC Area are part of FCC Phase 2, Okada are not to operate there. We have letter of complain from residents on the menace of Okada riders that is the reason why we visited the place.

“Someone said by 6 O ‘clock you cannot pass this street because Okada riders will snatch your phone. We know what they are doing. So, the fines does not work again, we are even looking for a stiffer punitive measures to make sure that we rid the city of Okada menace,” Osho said.

She also assured that the DRTS would approach the court as usual to get approval for the crushing of the motorcycles, to serve as deterrent.

Speaking on the security implications, the Secretary, Command and Control FCTA, Dr Peter Olumuji corroborated that the operation was a fallout of Idu-Karmo residents’ passionate appeal to stem the tide of insecurity in the area.

“Especially those who live around Idu, Karmo axis, they have being complaining about the nefarious activities of these motorcyclists who are not even meant to operate in those places,” Olumuji said.