From Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti

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The chairman of the Okada Riders Association, Ekiti State chapter, Mr. Kunle Asaolu, has disclosed that no fewer than 23 members of his association have been murdered by yet-to-be identified assailants within the last three months in the state.

He explained that the incident which occurred repeatedly between the months of  February to April 12, 2024, mostly in Ado-Ekiti and other parts of the state,  has posed a great threat to his members.

Addressing the motorcycle operators at a meeting held at Fajuyi Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, the  chairman described the situation as worrisome, stressing the need for the security operators to redouble their efforts and ensure the security of lives and property in the state,

 Asaolu disclosed that the modus operandi of the assailants include  paying  huge amount of money.

He stated that the emergency meeting summoned by his association and the police in the state is to brainstorm on the need to put an end to the repeated cases of assassinations of okada riders in the state.

“No fewer than 23 commercial motorcycle operators were killed in the last three months and their motorbikes taken away  by their assailants.

“Though, efforts were in top gear by the police to fish out and arrest the culprits, we advise commercial motorcyclists to abide by the police guidelines,”he said.

The representative of the police, Mr. Victor Akinsanya, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP)  said the high rate of killings among commercial motorcycle riders in the state called for concern, noting that all hands must be on desk to fish out the perpetrators.

He said henceforth, commercial motorcyclists would not be allowed to work beyond 10pm while he advised operators to supply credible and intelligence information to security agencies in order curb the menace.

The senior police officer cautioned commercial motorcyclists against working beyond 10pm.

He equally charged them to obey traffic rules, ensure registration of their motorcycles and desist from taking passengers to unknown locations.