Benue Okada riders protest killings, bike snatching

Commercial motorcycle riders, popularly known as Okada riders, on Friday took to the streets of Gboko, Benue State, in protest against what they described as persistent killing and robbery of their colleagues by suspected criminals.

The protest, which began early in the morning, brought social and commercial activities in the ancient town to a halt as the riders barricaded major roads, blocking vehicular movement and disrupting daily business operations.

Armed with placards and chanting solidarity songs, the riders set up bonfire and demanded immediate government action to end what they described as “targeted killings” of their members.

One of the protesters, who identified himself simply as Terna, said that the attacks on their colleagues had become rampant, with several riders recently killed or maimed by criminals who pose as passengers before dispossessing them of their motorcycles.

Just last Thursday, three of our members were killed in Gboko and their bikes were stolen,” he said.

Another protester, a union leader who preferred not to be named, described Okada operators as law-abiding citizens who contribute meaningfully to the local economy but have been left vulnerable to violent attacks.

He appealed to Governor Hyacinth Alia to intervene by directing security agencies to investigate the killings and step up patrols within Gboko and neighbouring communities

In response, the Chairman of Gboko Local Government, Torseer Yina, who addressed the aggrieved riders at the council secretariat, sympathised with them over the loss of their members and their means of livelihood.

Yina assured the protesters that the council had already convened an emergency security meeting to tackle the situation and had directed law enforcement agencies to arrest those behind the attacks.

“I share in your pain and loss. I have met with the relevant security agencies and instructed them to intensify patrols and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice,” Yina added.

He also commiserated with the Benue Motorcycle Operators Association (BEMOA) and the families of the slain victims, assuring that the government would not allow the killings to continue unchecked.

When contacted, the state police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed that the command was aware of the incidents and had commenced investigations.

“The police are on top of the situation,” Edet said. “We are working to ensure that those behind these attacks are arrested and prosecuted.”

culled from punch