Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has expressed worry over the sudden spike in crime rate across the State.
Akeredolu, who urged security agencies in the State to be alive to their responsibilities by taming the ugly trend, stated that the upsurge in robbery and kidnapping in the last one week calls for concern.
Recall that 16 market women were last week kidnapped in the State while on their way from Akoko axis of the State to Akure for their monthly meeting.
Also, robbey incidents had also been reported in various parts of the State in the past weeks.
Towards curbing the activities of criminals in the State, he announced a restriction on the movement of private and commercial motorcycles, commonly known as ‘okada’ across the State, as well as a ban on vehicles with unauthorized tinted glasses.
According to the governor in a statement issued on Friday by his Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, motorcyclists will no longer operate beyond 6 pm across the State.
While appealing to residents to be security conscious and as well provide necessary information that will aid in curbing crimes in their locality to security operatives, the governor assured that security agencies will be given all the support needed.
The statement read, “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.”
The statement further read that “Consequently, the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN has directed with immediate effect as follows:
“That all commercial motorcycle operators, otherwise known as Okada, are to, henceforth, operate within the hours of 6 am and 6 pm. In other words, none in this category shall operate beyond 6 pm in the evening. Anyone found flouting this directive shall have his motorcycle impounded.
“That all vehicles with unauthorized tinted glasses are hereby banned from plying the roads. Every of such vehicle without a duly certified permit issued by a relevant security agency shall be impounded.
“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.”