Insecurity: Okada Riders Remain banned in Benin City, Edo Govt Says, Deploys 1000 Forest Guards

From Ebohon Joan

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed that the ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, remains in force across the Benin metropolis as part of measures aimed at tackling kidnapping and other security challenges.

The State Commissioner for Transport, Saturday Uwulekhue Idehen, made the clarification on Wednesday during a joint press briefing in Benin City, stressing that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo would not compromise on policies designed to protect residents and improve public safety.

Idehen, said the government had recorded about 80 per cent success in the implementation of its commercial vehicle colour-code system, a key initiative aimed at enhancing security and accountability within the transport sector.

According to him, the Ministry has also commenced the profiling of commercial transport operators across the state, with unique identification numbers being issued to drivers to improve passenger safety and strengthen security monitoring.

He listed other measures introduced by the government to improve security and traffic management, including sanctions against unauthorised roadside parking, enforcement of restrictions on loading and offloading by heavy-duty vehicles between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., and continued enforcement of restrictions on commercial motorcyclists operating on highways and other prohibited routes.

The commissioner disclosed that the government had intensified the removal of abandoned and broken-down vehicles from roads and had also banned the blockage of major roads for private ceremonies.

On transportation reforms, Idehen said the government had revitalised the Edo Line Transport Company with the acquisition of 100 buses, while an additional 50 buses are expected to further ease transportation challenges across the State.

He added that the State had already taken delivery of 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses as part of efforts to modernise and improve the public transport system.

The commissioner further revealed that Edo Line was partnering with the private sector to launch Edo Courier Services, while plans were underway to modernise parking facilities in New Benin.

He urged residents to support and comply with the administration’s policies, noting that the initiatives were designed to make Edo safer and more economically vibrant.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Public Security and Safety, Festus Ebea, said the government had intensified efforts to combat insecurity through the recruitment of 5400 personnel into the restructured Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), with members drawn from all local government areas of the State.

Ebea disclosed that no fewer than 500 forest guards had also been engaged to flush out kidnappers and other criminal elements hiding in forests, protect farmers, and strengthen surveillance in rural communities.

He added that the number of forest guards would be increased to 1,000 in the coming months.

The commissioner called for greater collaboration with the media in combating fake news and misinformation relating to insecurity, adding that his ministry had established robust intelligence-sharing mechanisms with security agencies and other government ministries.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Prince Kassim Afegbua, dismissed reports that teachers in Edo State were being owed salaries.

According to him, Governor Okpebholo has prioritised workers’ welfare, particularly in the education sector, insisting that no teacher in the state is currently owed salary.

Afegbua disclosed that the administration had converted 5,000 teachers who were previously engaged as casual workers by the previous administration into permanent staff, while also employing 2,000 health workers.

He said the governor remained committed to improving the welfare of residents through the implementation of his SHINE Agenda and other people-centred programmes.