Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has extended ban on use of commercial motorcycles in some routes in Ilorin metropolis for four weeks.

The governor gave the order on Saturday following a violent protest by commercial motorcyclists (Okada) in some parts of the state capital.

Ahmed, at a meeting with officials of the protesting motorcyclists at Government House explained that the ban is not punitive, saying the decision is part of security measures to ensure safety of life and property.

The governor appealed to the motorcyclists to show understanding and support government’s decision to protect innocent citizens.

He tasked the officials to ensure they provide uniforms for all their members, warning that any commercial motorcyclist without a uniform and registered number would be arrested and punished.

Ahmed said government is making effort to provide more tricycles for operation in restricted areas.

The commercial motorcyclists had earlier, Saturday morning, embarked on a protest at Sawmill, Geri-Alimi and Taiwo road from where they marched to the state House of Assembly and Government House.

Hundreds of commercial motorcyclists joined in the protest to express displeasure on the restriction by government.

They chanted anti-government songs to condemn the state government’s decision and insensitivity to their plight. They also blocked several roads, causing traffic jam, before they were dispersed by anti-riot policemen.

Speaking with reporters, the state chairman of the Commercial Motorcycle

Riders Association, Alhaji Toyin Alase, expressed displeasure at the restriction.

He decried extension of the restriction, saying members would not be able to make as much money from the feeder roads, which the government wants them to ply.