By Daniel Tyokua
The DIrectorate of Road Traffic Service (DRTS) Federal Capital Territory Administration, said stringent measures are underway to curb unending activities of commercial motorcycles known as okada in restricted areas.
Deputy director of operations, DRTS, Deborah Osho disclosed this on Thursday, during its continuation of clampdown on okada operators at Federal Medical Centre, EFCC and NASENI areas in Idu.
Though Osho didn’t list the new steps to be taken against the okada operators but she said discussions and planning are in progress to adopt new ways to tackle the challenge.
She said reports from residents about activities of commercial motorcycle operators was worrisome and call for urgent steps on addressing it.
On why the directorate was not giving up despite the several rids without effect, she explained that the operation was a mandate and must be sustained.
“We can’t be tired, it’s our mandate to rid the FCT of commercial bikes and that’s what we are doing especially as long as they keep violating our rules and laws of traffic and transportation in FCT, we’ll continue to pick them up.
“Though we have pick some Okadas on some roads through federal medical centre, FMC, to NASENI, these areas are not where Okadas are to ply. In fact, the Idu, NASENI and EFCC area, we have a letter from the residents there of the menace of Okada around there, even though they’re very much among the FCC.
“For now I can’t speak on the new measures until they are approved.
We’re even looking for stiffer measures to make sure that we rid the city of Okada menace. We know what they’re doing”she said.
On his part, the Secretary, Command and Control FCTA, Dr Peter Olumuji said the operation was a fall out of Idu- Karmo residents passionate appeal to stem the tide of insecurity in the area.
According to hum, “Especially those who live around Idu, Karimo axis,they have being complaining about the nefarious activities of these motorcyclists who are not even meant to operate in those places” Olumuji said.
On insinuations from some quarters that the recently distributed motorcycles by the FCT Minister to security agencies were part of the impounded motorcycles, Olumuji described the insinuations as an unpatriotic misconception and untrue.
“contrary to what people are saying, that seized motorcycles are been converted for security purposes by the FCT Minister, well this is a misconception by those who have refused to make enquires on the true picture of things.
“The bikes that were inaugurated by the FCT Administration some few weeks ago is meant for security operations. it is not for commercial but for security purposes, and it is not even the bikes impounded by the Directorate of Road Transport Services, DRTS.
“Those bikes were specially bought for security operations the security agencies, the vigilante and hunters who are complementing their efforts can now go into those difficult and mountainous areas in the boarder communities and…alot of arrests have been made because of the use of those bikes in difficult terrains.”he said.
