Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved a new security measure restricting commercial motorcycle (Okada) operations during night hours across the state.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to reports, the directive bans commercial motorcycle riders from operating between 10:30 pm and 5:30 am, as part of efforts to strengthen security and curb rising cases of nighttime criminal activities, including kidnappings.
The state government explained that motorcycles have increasingly been used by criminal elements to carry out attacks and escape undetected at night, making regulation necessary to protect lives and property.
Officials say the decision follows a recent surge in security concerns, including reported abductions in parts of the state, which prompted the government to adopt stricter mobility controls during late hours.
Governor Makinde emphasized that the restriction is not aimed at banning the transport sector but at ensuring safer movement and reducing opportunities for criminal activity under cover of darkness.
Authorities also assured residents that daytime commercial motorcycle operations will continue under existing regulations.
