Insecurity: Kwara expresses concern over influx of unknown Okada riders

The Kwara State Government has expressed concern over the growing influx of unidentified commercial motorcycle operators into the state, warning that the trend poses a serious security threat amid increasing cases of insecurity in some parts of the state.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Aliyu Korasabi, raised the alarm on Thursday during an emergency security stakeholders’ meeting held in Ilorin, urging transport union leaders to ensure full compliance with the ongoing Kwara State Residents Registration exercise.

Korasabi said the registration exercise, being coordinated by the Kwara State Residents Registration Agency, remains a critical component of the government’s strategy to strengthen security architecture and improve the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies across the state.

“We are witnessing an increasing influx of unidentified motorcycle operators into Kwara at a time when some communities are grappling with security challenges. This development requires urgent attention from all stakeholders,” Korasabi said.

The commissioner explained that capturing the data of commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators would help security agencies distinguish genuine transport workers from criminal elements who often disguise themselves as riders to perpetrate crimes.

“The residents’ registration exercise will provide credible data that will assist security agencies in identifying legitimate operators and isolating criminal elements who may be hiding under the guise of commercial transportation activities,” he added.

While stressing that the registration exercise falls within the statutory responsibilities of KWASRRA, Korasabi maintained that safeguarding lives and property should not be left solely in the hands of security agencies.

“As bona fide citizens of Kwara State, we must not leave issues of security solely to government security agencies. Security is a collective responsibility that must be taken seriously and addressed decisively,” he said.

He further commended transport unions in the state for maintaining a cordial relationship with the government under the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and urged them to sustain their cooperation as efforts to secure the state intensify.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Aliyu Muyideen, praised the state government for its sustained commitment to tackling security challenges through various interventions and strategic engagements.

Muyideen noted that motorcycle transportation remains operational in Kwara because of Governor AbdulRazaq’s consideration of prevailing economic realities and the potential social consequences that could arise from imposing a total ban on commercial motorcycle activities.

“The Governor understands the economic importance of motorcycle transportation to many households. However, operators must reciprocate this consideration by complying fully with government directives aimed at protecting lives and property,” Muyideen said.

He urged commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators to support ongoing security measures and contribute to preserving Kwara’s reputation as the State of Harmony.

The Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Ibrahim Orire, also commended the Ministry of Transportation for its proactive approach to addressing security concerns and called for stricter enforcement of the existing restriction on motorcycle operations beyond 9 pm.

“Effective enforcement of the 9 p.m. restriction on motorcycle operations will go a long way in reducing incidents of banditry and other criminal activities across the state,” Orire said.

He also appealed to transport union leaders to strengthen intelligence gathering mechanisms and improve communication among their zonal leaders across the 16 local government areas of the state.

Representatives of the Vehicle Inspection Unit and the Kwara Road Traffic Management Authority highlighted security gains recorded through their operations and proposed additional measures, including route identification systems for transport operators, to further enhance monitoring and security.

Speaking on behalf of transport unions, the Chairman of the Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria, Azeez Arisekola, expressed support for the residents’ registration exercise and pledged the union’s commitment to ensuring its success.

“The registration initiative is in the interest of genuine operators because it will help identify legitimate members of the profession and protect them from unnecessary suspicion,” Arisekola said.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Abdulrasaq Ariwoola, and the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Olayinka Onikijipa, assured the government of their readiness to mobilise members for full participation in the exercise.

The union leaders pledged continued collaboration with relevant authorities, saying enhanced data collection and proper identification of transport operators would contribute significantly to ongoing efforts to improve security across Kwara State.