Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel has limited the operation of motorcycles (popularly known as Okada) and tricycles (popularly known as Keke) from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.
The restriction was announced by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, in a statement released in Uyo on Friday.
Tricycles and motorcycles will not operate from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily in the Ikot Ekpene federal constituency, which includes Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim, and Obot Akara Local Government Areas, according to the state government.
According to Ekuwem, the restriction was imposed due to a rise in the number of criminal activities in the three local government areas of the Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency.
He also noted that illegal activities have resulted in the deaths of innocent people, as well as property and security forces.
The SSG clarified that the perpetrators of these heinous acts use motorcycles and tricycles to commit their crimes and flee.
“The Government of Akwa Ibom State has noted a rise in the incidence of criminal activities in the Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency in recent times,”
“In keeping with his core mandate of safeguarding the lives and property of our people and security personnel, Gov. Emmanuel has ordered immediate restrictions on the operation of motorcycles and tricycles in the Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily, starting Friday, March 26.
“Gov. Emmanuel deeply appreciates all of our law enforcement agencies’ efforts and encourages them to step up their security patrols and duties, especially in vulnerable areas and throughout the entire federal constituency,” Ekuwem said.
According to Ekuwem, the State Government regrets any inconvenience the ban could cause innocent people and residents of the federal constituency, according to Ekuwem.
He also urged residents of the federal constituency of Ikot Ekpene to view the difficult decision as a critical step in protecting their lives and property.
“The restriction will be in effect until further notice the SSG stated.
