Niger govt. seeks support of motorcycle riders to improve security
The Niger Government on Sunday made overtures to motorcycle riders to help combat crime and enhance security of lives and property in the state.
Gov. Abubakar Bello, while receiving members of the state’s chapter of the Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners, Repairs and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN) in Minna on Sunday enlisted the support of the association.
Bello advised the association to also work in collaboration with the security agencies to tackle terrorism, kidnapping and other crimes in the state.
Bello noted that the motorcycle riders (popularly known as ‘okada’) have the capacity to assist the security agencies in intelligence gathering since they are familiar with the nooks and crannies of the state.
He urged Malam Shafi Maishara, Chairman of ACOMORAN, to ensure that his members were properly registered and captured in the biometric data before operating in any part of state.
The governor also urged the members of the association to take advantage of the ongoing bonanza to register and purchase number plates for their motorcycles and tricycles.
According to him, having the biometric data of all members would make it easier to track those who commit or aid crimes.
“Majority of the crimes are committed using motorcycles because it facilitates easy escape. This partnership will assist security agencies in intelligence gathering and in war against terrorism.
‘‘It will enable us identify terrorists and those with the intention to engage your members in criminal acts,” he said.
He, however, cautioned members of the association against recklessness and urged them to set up a disciplinary commitment so as to reduce motorcycle accidents in the state.
Maishara commended the state government for always supporting the association. He appealed to the governor to assist members of the association to purchase motorcycles and tricycles at subsidised rates.
“Many of our members do not have motorcycles or tricycles of their own. We solicit government’s assistance to purchase them (motorcycles or tricycles) and give to our members so that they can pay gradually.
“This will make a lot of our youths to be involved in useful ventures and will go a long way in reducing crimes in the state,” he said.
He gave assurance that the association would continue to support government’s policies and ensure that illegal riders were brought to book. (NAN)