KANO—COMMERCIAL motorcycle operators, otherwise known as Okada riders, have fully returned to Kano streets despite government ban on their activities in eight local Government areas of the state.
Investigation revealed that a sizable number of Okada riders popularly known as Achaba in local parlance are seen offering quick services to customers early morning and late night in some major streets and in the neighbourhood.
The Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso administration had at the wake of attack on the Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero by unknown gunmen January 19, restricted Okada riders’ activities and directed them to vacate Kano streets by 6pm and must not carry passengers within the metropolitan councils.
Sequel to the development, residents that witnessed several killings allegedly masterminded by gunmen onmotor bike had expressed concerns.
Malam Bala Dan’azumi told Vanguard that “we are worried by the gradual return of Achaba riders in Kano streets most especially within the neighbourhood where it has become a past time for them to carry out their nefarious activities.”
Dan’azumi who lives in Kurna Asabe noted that “there is laxity on the part of enforcing authorities who at the moment appear not ready to enforce the law for reasons best known to them. I know Kano too well, if others are doing it and getting away with it, be rest assured that multitude would join them in the next few days, and it would be difficult to control them”
But the Police Public Relations Officer, Magaji Musa Majia, in a reaction declared that “the ban prohibiting their activities between 6am-6pm is still in force, stressing that “the order restricting cyclist from carrying passenger is also in full force. It was occasioned by the relaxation of enforcement during the Holy month of Ramadan.”
CULLED – VANGUARD
No comments:
Post a Comment