Worried by the gradual resurgence of motorcycles in Benin metropolis, Edo State Government has again reinstated its ban on the use of motorbikes for whatever purposes within the confines of the Edo State capital.
Speaking Wednesday in Benin City at a press briefing, Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Saturday Iyalekhue, warned that violators risked having their bikes, popularly called Okada confiscated and burnt.
Mr. Iyalekhue spoke in company of his counterparts from the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua and Mr. Festus Ebea of Public Safety and Securit, at the press briefing, which was organized by the Ministry for Information.
He said that those, who are desirous of riding motorbikes can do so across the bypass, well outside the city limits, charging that most of the riders use the machines to engage in criminal activities.
The commissioner said: "Riding of motorcycle remain banned in Benin metropolis. Okada riding is only permitted outside Benin bypass."
Prince Afegbua amplified Mr. Iyalekhue, reminding that the ban which was pronounced by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole during his stint as governor, has not been lifted and is still in force.
Reminded that the ban was annulled by a competent court order, the Information and Strategy commissioner insisted that the ban is still in force and the reasons for the action have not changed, however adding that the government will seek the advice of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice on how best to resolve the legal logjam.
He said: "The ban on Okada remains. The ban is for public safety and will not be lifted. The Commissioner of Transport will seek the opinion of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, on the issue. We'll however not compromise on the safety of Edo people."
Mr. Ebea, a former speaker of Edo State House of Assembly alleged that some individuals are exploiting the country's security challenges by bringing criminal elements from outside the state for kidnapping and other crimes in the state.
He alleged that some individuals in the State bring herdsmen in the name of helping them rear cows and in the process use them for kidnapping.
He added: "From our security lenses, we have found out that some of our youths now keep herdsmen and terrorists in their houses and point out to them where there is business to do.
"Both the accomplices and kidnappers arrested have confessed on how they were brought in and housed."
Determined to tackle the rising cases of insecurity, Ebea disclosed that Governor Monday Okpebholo has ordered the engagement of 500 Forest Guards, who are presently undergoing training to secure the forest across the state, adding that the Federal Government recently approved additional 500 for a total of 1000.
Besides, he added that Governor Okpebolo's administration, has engaged 300 Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) each in the eighteen local government areas totaling 5,400 to strengthen the security architecture in the state.
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