Worried by the spike in crime rate in Ondo State, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has directed that all commercial motorcycle operators, otherwise known as Okada, are to, henceforth, operate within the hours of 6 am and 6 pm.
The Governor, in a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, said anyone found flouting this directive shall have his motorcycle impounded.
The Governor also directed that all vehicles with unauthorized tinted glasses are hereby banned from plying the roads.
According to Akeredolu, every of such vehicle without a duly certified permit issued by a relevant security agency shall be impounded.
Akeredolu urges residents of the State to provide useful information about crime, criminal elements and activities in their immediate environment.
The statement reads, “The Ondo State Government has noted with concern, the worrisome spike in crime rate across the State. In particular, security reports at the disposal of Government are considered signs deserving of serious attention.
“Specifically, the last one week witnessed an unimaginable upsurge in robbery, kidnapping and in some cases, murder. This is no doubt, condemenable.
“Government, therefore, urges all security agencies to come out and confront this abhorent development. Every necessary support in terms of both human and logistics aids shall be provided to ensure the safety of residents within the State.
“As a Government, one major responsibility is the provision of security as well as protection of lives and property. In this regard, measures aimed at achieving such goals are the least Government can enunciate.
“Finally, it is pertinent to reiterate that security enhancement and war against insecurity are everybody’s responsibility.
“While Government and the security agencies play their parts, it is expected that the citizens also support by way of collaborating with the relevant agencies of Government.
“In this regard, residents of the State are urged to provide useful information about crime, criminal elements and activities in their immediate environment”