By Daniel Tyokua
The authorities of Bwari Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, have suspended operations of commercial motorcyclists popularly called okada from operating in 8 communities to help curb the spread of Coronavirus.
Eli Peter, the council secretary in a statement on Tuesday, said the areas affected include Bwari town, Ushafa, Dutse Makaranta, Dutsen-Alhaji, Kubwa, Byazhin, Dei-Dei, Dawaki and Mpape.
The Secretary explained that the decision was part of measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 as people were secretly entering Abuja from other states of the country.
It said: “Bwari Area Council in the FCT has suspended motorcyclists operations (okada) in 8 communities until further notice. This is part of measures to curtail the spread of COVID-19 as people begin to return to Abuja from other states of the federation.
“The areas affected are Bwari town, Ushafa, Dutse Makaranta, Dutsen-Alhaji, Kubwa, Byazhin, Dei-Dei, Dawaki and Mpape”
The council advised members of the public especially Okada riders association to comply with the new directives.
Though there was no specific date on the commencement of the enforcement, but the statement urged security agencies in the council to ensure strict compliance.
According to the statement, “Members of the general public especially Okada Riders Associations are advised to comply as violators of the order will be arrested, prosecuted and punished appropriately” It said.
