Okada operators run riot in Kwara

Scores of commercial motorcyclists have staged a protest in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, against the decision of the government to restrict their operations.

The commercial motorcyclists, also known as okada operators, who were apparently reacting to the decision of the state government to restrict their operation to some selected streets in the state capital, besieged the residence of Alhaji Usman Bibire Ajape, the Special Adviser on Transport and Utilities to Gov. AbdulFatah Ahmed.

The special adviser lives on Agbooba Road in Ilorin West Local Government Area of the state.

The protesters, who were chanting various songs to express their displeasure over the decision also made bonfires with disused tyres in front of the residence. They damaged the security post at the residence, broke some security lights at the gate and the fence as well as vandalised some other valuables.

In an interview after the attack, the special adviser said there was no going back on the order.

Ajape said the measure to restrict their operation in the state capital was to ensure the safety of lives and property of innocent citizens.

He said the action of the commercial motorcyclists would not change the decision of the government, adding that “even today a bag was snatched from a lady along AbdulAzeez Attah Road, Ilorin with motorbike”.

Ajape appealed to operators of commercial motorcyclists to cooperate with the State Government in its efforts to create a conducive atmosphere for the residents of the state.