Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has imposed new restrictions on the movement of commercial motorcycles, commonly known as okada, as part of measures to tackle insecurity following the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in the state.
New Operating Hours for Okada Riders
The directive, contained in Executive Order No. 002 of 2026 signed by the governor, limits commercial motorcycle operations to between 5:30am and 10:30pm across the state. The move comes amid heightened security concerns triggered by the kidnapping incident in Oriire Local Government Area, which sparked widespread outrage and renewed debate about school and community safety.
Security Rationale Behind the Restriction
According to the state government, intelligence and security assessments indicated that motorcycles are frequently used by criminal elements to move undetected, particularly during periods when security monitoring is more difficult. Governor Makinde stated that the restriction is intended to support ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb criminal activities and improve surveillance across the state.
Not a Total Ban
The governor clarified that the measure does not amount to a total ban on commercial motorcycle operations. Instead, it is a targeted security intervention designed to strike a balance between protecting residents and preserving the livelihoods of thousands who depend on the business for income and transportation.
Previous Security Measures
The latest order is one of several security-related measures introduced by the state government in recent months. Earlier, Makinde signed an executive order regulating vigilante and community security groups, requiring them to register with the government and operate within a structured legal framework. The administration said this regulation aimed to improve coordination among security stakeholders while ensuring accountability.
Enforcement and Public Reaction
The restriction on okada movement is expected to be enforced by security agencies across the state. The decision has generated discussions among residents, with some viewing it as a necessary step to improve security, while others express concern about its impact on transportation and businesses that rely on commercial motorcycles.
Authorities continue efforts to secure the release of abducted pupils and teachers and address growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Oyo State.
