Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced a restriction on the operations of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, between 10:30pm and 5:30am across the state as part of fresh security measures aimed at tackling rising insecurity.
The governor made the announcement during a statewide broadcast on Friday, June 5th, amid growing concerns over the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area.
Makinde said the decision formed part of broader efforts by his administration to strengthen security and support ongoing operations to secure the release of victims currently in captivity.
Addressing residents, the governor reassured families of the abducted victims that the state government remained committed to their safe return.
“We will not relent until our teachers and children are returned safely home. Every day they remain in captivity is a painful day for their families, their communities, and all of us in Oyo State,” he said.
“I want to assure our people that efforts are ongoing round the clock to ensure the safe return of the victims. Their rescue remains the top priority of this administration. They have not been forgotten, and they have not been abandoned.”
Makinde noted that details of ongoing rescue efforts could not be fully disclosed due to the sensitive nature of the operations but insisted that security agencies were actively working to secure the victims’ freedom.
“We may not be able to disclose every step being taken because of the sensitive nature of the operations involved. However, I ask our people not to mistake our silence for inaction. A great deal of work is being done behind the scenes, and we remain fully engaged with all relevant security agencies,” he added.
Announcing the new restriction, the governor said commercial motorcycle operators would no longer be allowed to operate during the specified hours throughout the state.
“With the signing of this Executive Order, we are also introducing additional measures to enhance security across our state. Consequently, the operations of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, will now be restricted between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. throughout Oyo State.”
He further urged residents to cooperate with security agencies, stressing that maintaining security requires collective effort.
“We can create laws, but their success ultimately depends on the cooperation of our people. This is another opportunity to remind us all that security is a shared responsibility. If you see something, say something, and the authorities will do something.”
The development comes weeks after suspected bandits attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, abducting about 39 students and seven teachers.
The situation worsened days later when one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was slaughtered by the abductors.
Public concern intensified after a video surfaced online showing Rachael Alamu, the principal of Community High School, Esiele, who is among those being held captive. In the video, she appealed for urgent intervention, revealing that the kidnappers had threatened to kill another victim if their demands were not met.
The abductions have triggered widespread outrage across the state, leading to protests by members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and other concerned groups demanding immediate action from authorities.