….flags off Joint Patrol, warns Okada riders, Car Dealers,
…as 20 okada riders killed in 3weeks
By: Oluwatosin Adesola
The Ondo State Security Network Agency code-named Amotekun Corps, has confirmed the killing of 20 okada riders by unknown robbers, even as it today flagged off 2023/2024 Ember Months patrol and All Joint Border patrol to ensure crimes-free yuletide.
At the flag off of the campaign at Ondo-Osun border town, Owena, in collaboration with other security agencies, the State Corps Commander of Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye said such exercise was successful last year when about 100 kidnap victims were rescued and many criminals arrested.
Adeleye who is also the Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Security matters, cautioned motorcyclists against operating between 6pm and 6am, insisting that the government’s ban on okada operators during the period is still in force.
He said over twenty okada riders across the state had lost their lives to armed robbers who snatched their motorcycles during the night operations in the last three weeks.
The Corps Commander also warned that vehicles without registered number plates would be impounded during the ember months security campaign, advising car dealers against using stickers.
Adeleye said “there is no way you perpetrate crimes in Ondo State and get away with it, we are stationed in all exit points, we have our communication equipments in place to communicate, our patrol vehicles would be on 24 hours basis throughout this period.
“You would recall that last year we were able to rescue 100 people that were kidnapped and robbed of their valuables including vehicles, were rescued.
“This 2023 ember patrol, we are ready to do much more that we were able to do last year, we want to specially thank the Public for their support, while asking for a bigger support this year so that we can ensure a safe environment.
“The ban from 6am to 6pm for use of Okada and 6pm to overnight remains in force as put in place by the government for Okada, vehicles, motorcycles that are not on ensential duties are not to ply the streets, except you’re on essential duties.
“In the last three weeks we had recorded over 20 Okada riders being killed and motorcycles being taken away, it is even a risk for them trying to ride Okada in the night.
“We want to appeal to Okada riders, if you have worked for 12 hours please go and rest, so that we can identify criminals easily.
“It is no longer permitted for vehicles to ply the road without registration numbers, and all vehicles with tinted glass should obtain police permit for the tinted number.
“Dealers are to use dealers number, not stickers, all vehicles as from today with mere stickers would be impounded, this are some of the mesures we are putting in place to guarantee safety of lifes and properties in Ondo State.
“We want investors to come and do their work, we want farmers to go to their farms unmolested, headers, farmers issues have been resolved substantially, we don’t want it to resufface, headers have right to their business, they do their business and they are the right, Farmers too don’t have to take laws to their hands, you report headers who destroy their farms period.
“We want to assure the good people of Ondo State of their safety, the army the police, DSS, the local Vigilante, this synergy is one of those things that are responsible for the relative security situation which we are determined to maintain in Ondo State.
“We have an enhanced communication network, where we can talk to different people at the same time, therefore we have our distress phone number, 08079999989, if you want to tell us your identity, tell us, and if you want to keep anonymous,” Amotekun Commander said.
