80 Motorcycles impounded in Umuahia, Aba as enforcement of Abia Govt’s ban begins

No fewer than 80 motorcycles were on Monday impounded in Umuahia and Aba by various law enforcement agencies in the state.

This followed the ban placed on commercial motorcycle operations in Umuahia, Aba, and Ohafia metropolises by the Abia State Government.

The state government had on Saturday explained that the ban on the movement of commercial motorcycles in the three towns was to ensure the safety and security of its citizens, among other reasons.

In compliance with the state government’s directive, various law enforcement agencies, including the police and members of the Abia State Harmonized Task Force (ASHTF), hit the roads to enforce the ban.

In some parts of Umuahia and Aba, many okada operators had their bikes confiscated by the enforcement teams.

While some of the motorcycles were conveying passengers at the time they were flagged down and confiscated, others were being ridden by lone riders.

Some of the owners of the impounded bikes in Umuahia were seen claiming that they were using their motorcycles for private transportation and not for commercial purposes.

In Aba, men of the Abia State Harmonized Task Force, led by Uche Wogu, carried out a joint enforcement exercise against offenders.

Confirming the enforcement of the ban in Aba, the spokesperson for the Abia State Harmonized Task Force, Miracle Chukwunenye, said the ban on commercial motorcycles has come to stay in the state.

“At the various enforcement locations visited, I communicated to the people, especially those whose motorcycles were impounded, that the ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as ‘okada,’ within the Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia metropolises is sacrosanct and has come to stay.

“I further clarified that the ban applies strictly to commercial motorcycles (okada) and does not affect scooter bikes, electric bikes, or private bikes,” Chukwunenye said.

He advised those affected by the ban to relocate to parts of the state that are not affected by the restriction.