Fidelis David in Akure
The Ondo State Commander of the Western Security Networks Agency known as Amotekun yesterday revealed that no fewer than 20 commercial motorcyclists were killed within the space of three weeks in the state.
Adeleye, who doubles as the Special Adviser (Security Matters) to the state governor, revealed this in Akure while parading 11 suspects arrested for various offences ranging from unlawful possession of firearms to robbery and theft.
According to him, “In the last three weeks, we recorded cases of no fewer than 20 (Okada) riders that were killed and their motorcycles taken away. It is even risky for them to ride at night. We want to appeal to them to rest after working for 12 hours so that we can recognise criminals.”
He explained that six of the suspects paraded were caught with locally-made weapons, saying the suspects were getting prepared to destabilise innocent residents and commuters during the yuletide season in the state.
Adeleye reiterated that the ban on motorcycles between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. remained effective except for those motorcycles on essential duties.
He said: “Again, it is no longer permitted to ply the roads without a registration number, and all vehicles with tinted glass should get police permits. Motor dealers are to get dealers’ number, not stickers.”
“Any erring vehicle will be impounded. These are measures we are putting in place to guarantee the safety of lives and property in the state. We want investors to come and do their work and we want farmers not to be molested on their farmlands.”
Speaking on farmers/herdsmen clashes, Adeleye said: “Herders/farmers issue has been resolved substantially, and we don’t want it to resurface. We are saying that herders have the right to their business within the ambit of the law, without infringing on the right of the farmers, and farmers too should not take laws into their hands but report if your crops are destroyed.”
The Amotekun boss noted that the parade was a sequel to the commencement of the flag-off of the 2023/2024 Ember Months Campaign 24/7 and Joint Borders Patrol of the corps.
