Osogbo, June 24, 2024 – The Osun State Police Command has issued a stern warning to commercial motorcyclists, commonly known as Okada riders, to be vigilant against criminals posing as passengers who intend to rob them of their motorcycles. The alert follows a surge in reported cases of motorcycle snatching within the state.
In a statement released on Monday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Yemisi Opalola, the police highlighted the alarming trend of motorcycle thefts and urged motorcyclists to exercise caution, especially when ferrying passengers to remote or isolated areas.
“The police command is using this medium to caution motorcyclists, especially the commercial ones (Okada), to be cautious of passenger(s) they carry or who employ their services,” Opalola stated.
She explained that the criminals’ modus operandi typically involves flagging down Okada riders and luring them to secluded locations, often at night, where the motorcyclists are then violently dispossessed of their vehicles.
“These unsuspecting riders are often offered enticing fares that they cannot refuse, which leads them into traps set by the criminals. These attacks, in some instances, have left the motorcyclists severely injured or even killed,” Opalola added.
To combat this rising menace, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Abba, has called upon the leadership of the Okada Riders Association in Osun State to intensify their efforts in educating their members about the risks and preventive measures.
The police command also encourages motorcyclists to report any suspicious behavior or passengers to the nearest police station promptly.
“The Command advises Okada riders to be wary of suspicious passenger(s) and to promptly report any dubious activities to the nearest police station. This will help curb these criminals’ activities and ensure motorcyclists’ safety,” Opalola emphasized.
The Osun State Police Command has reassured the public of its commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of all residents and visitors to the state. The police are actively working to apprehend and prosecute the culprits involved in these heinous crimes.
In recent months, the spike in motorcycle snatching has created a climate of fear among Okada riders, many of whom rely on their motorcycles for their livelihood.
The targeted approach of the criminals has made it difficult for motorcyclists to identify potential threats, especially when these criminals pose as regular passengers.
The police have outlined several precautionary measures for Okada riders to follow:
- Avoid accepting passengers to unfamiliar or isolated locations, especially at night.
- Be cautious of passengers who offer unusually high fares.
- Travel in pairs or groups when possible, especially in high-risk areas.
- Install tracking devices on motorcycles to assist in recovery in case of theft.
- Maintain regular communication with fellow riders and report any suspicious activity immediately.
The Okada Riders Association has also pledged to work closely with the police, enhancing communication and training among its members to better equip them to handle such threats.
As the police intensify their efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice, the Okada riders in Osun State are urged to remain vigilant and cooperative with law enforcement agencies.
The collaboration between the community and the police is seen as crucial in stemming the tide of this criminal trend and ensuring the safety of all commercial motorcyclists in the state.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
