Okada Riders Protest in Gboko Over Rising Violence
On Friday, commercial motorcycle riders, commonly known as Okada riders, took to the streets of Gboko, Benue State, in a protest against what they described as an alarming increase in the killing and robbery of their colleagues by suspected criminals. The demonstration began early in the morning, causing a complete halt in social and commercial activities in the ancient town. Major roads were barricaded, and vehicular movement was completely blocked, disrupting daily business operations.
The protesters, armed with placards and chanting solidarity songs, set up bonfires and demanded immediate government action to put an end to what they called “targeted killings” of their members. One of the protesters, who identified himself as Terna, shared his concerns with a local media outlet. He stated that attacks on Okada riders had become rampant, with several riders recently killed or maimed by criminals who posed as passengers before stealing their motorcycles.
“Just last Thursday, three of our members were killed in Gboko and their bikes were stolen,” he said. His statement highlighted the growing fear among Okada operators, who rely on their motorcycles for their livelihoods.
Another protester, a union leader who preferred not to be named, emphasized that Okada operators are law-abiding citizens who contribute significantly to the local economy. However, they have been left vulnerable to violent attacks, which have taken a toll on both their safety and financial stability.
He appealed to Governor Hyacinth Alia to intervene by directing security agencies to investigate the killings and step up patrols within Gboko and neighboring communities. The call for increased security measures came as a response to the rising incidents of violence against Okada riders.
In response to the protests, the Chairman of Gboko Local Government, Torseer Yina, addressed the aggrieved riders at the council secretariat. He expressed sympathy for the loss of their members and their means of livelihood. Yina assured the protesters that the council had already convened an emergency security meeting to tackle the situation and had directed law enforcement agencies to arrest those behind the attacks.
“I share in your pain and loss. I have met with the relevant security agencies and instructed them to intensify patrols and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice,” Yina added. He also commiserated with the Benue Motorcycle Operators Association (BEMOA) and the families of the slain victims, assuring that the government would not allow the killings to continue unchecked.
When contacted, the state police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed that the command was aware of the incidents and had commenced investigations. “The police are on top of the situation,” Edet said. “We are working to ensure that those behind these attacks are arrested and prosecuted.”
Impact on the Community
The protests have drawn attention to the growing insecurity faced by Okada riders in Gboko and surrounding areas. These riders play a crucial role in the local economy, providing transportation services to many residents. However, the recent wave of violence has created a climate of fear and uncertainty.
The community is now looking for concrete actions from both the government and security agencies to restore peace and protect the lives and properties of Okada riders. The protests have also sparked discussions about the need for better security infrastructure and more effective law enforcement strategies.
Calls for Action
As the situation continues to unfold, there are increasing calls for a multi-pronged approach to address the root causes of the violence. This includes not only enhancing security measures but also addressing the socio-economic factors that may contribute to criminal activities.
Local leaders and community members are urging the government to take swift and decisive action to protect the lives of Okada riders and ensure the safety of all residents in the area. The hope is that through collaboration between the government, security agencies, and the community, a lasting solution can be found to prevent further incidents of violence.