RSG Bans ‘Okada’ In Four LGAs …Army Nabs Criminal Gang In Etche

Following increasing cases of crime and cult clashes perpetrated by users of motorcycles, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has banned the operation of commercial motorcyclists, popularly called ‘Okada’ riders between 5pm and 8am daily in four local government areas of the state for security reasons.
The 15-hour ban took effect from yesterday, Sunday, 14 February, 2016.
The affected four local government areas include: Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Ogba/Egbema /Ndoni.
A statement by Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, said that the ban on the operation of ‘Okada’ in these local government areas is indefinite.
The statement indicated that the state governor has directed security agencies to enforce the ban.
The governor regretted any inconveniences the ban will cause residents, businesses and commercial motorcyclists in these local government areas.
He called on all stakeholders in the affected local government areas to cooperate with the state government and security agencies to improve the security situation in their communities.
There have been robbery attacks, and cult clashes, resulting in a number casualties in the aforementioned local government areas.
At least, 20 persons have been killed in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area of the state in recent times.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army, yesterday, said it had arrested members of a four-man gang allegedly terrorising residents of Ulakwo community in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.
There had been rising cases of cultism, assassinations, armed robbery and kidnapping in some communities in the state.
The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations Officer, 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt, Capt. Eli Lazarus, made the disclosure while parading the suspects in Port Harcourt.
Lazarus said that following intelligence report, troops raided criminal hideouts in Ulakwo community and recovered arms and ammunition from the gang.
“Following reports of criminal activities of some young men who had been unleashing terror on innocent citizens, troops from 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, conducted a search in Ulakwo community.
“The operation, which was successful, led to the arrest of four young men, aged between 23 and 35, who were terrorising law-abiding citizens in the community.
“Two Pump Action rifles, a Dane gun and four cartridges of live ammunitions, were recovered from the suspects during the raid,” he explained.
Lazarus said the suspects would be handed over to the Department of State Security (DSS) for further investigation and possible arraignment in court.
He said the Army had put in place, mechanisms to rid the state of criminals, to enable residents go about their lawful businesses without fear of molestation.
‘’Criminals and restive youths should have a change of heart and engage themselves in legal ventures, otherwise we will come after them,’’ he said.
The army spokesman urged members of the public to continue to provide security agencies with information that could lead to the arrest of criminals.