At least 10 commercial motorcycle operators have been killed and their motorcycles stolen in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, within the past two months, according to the National Association of Okada Riders.
The Lafia branch chairman of the association, Uba Yahaya, disclosed this while speaking on the growing attacks on commercial motorcyclists in the state.
Yahaya said he personally attended the funerals of all 10 victims, stressing that their motorcycles were taken after they were killed.
He explained that the attackers use different methods to target riders. In one incident, a rider was allegedly struck with a club along the bypass, while another was stabbed in the chest and had his skull smashed.
According to him, some riders who survived attacks were admitted to hospitals after suffering serious injuries, while their motorcycles were taken away.
Yahaya said most of the attacks occur at night, particularly between Maghrib and Isha prayers, although some incidents also happen during the day.
Criminals Pretend to Be Passengers
The association chairman alleged that criminals often disguise themselves as passengers or mechanics to gain the trust of riders.
He also warned that some attackers have been using commercial motorcycle jackets distributed to genuine riders to deceive their victims.
Yahaya recalled an incident in which a rider was allegedly attacked by men who posed as fellow riders before beating him and stealing his motorcycle.
He further alleged that one suspected criminal had stolen more than five motorcycles, sometimes using a gun to threaten riders who refused to surrender their motorcycles.
The association chairman expressed support for the state government's efforts to restrict late-night movement by commercial motorcyclists, saying urgent measures were needed to prevent further killings and motorcycle theft.
Relative Recounts Brother's Killing
A relative of one of the victims, Abduljalal Muhammad, said his younger brother, Yusuf Muhammad, was shot dead while working as a commercial motorcyclist in Lafia.
According to him, Yusuf had picked up a passenger and was waiting to receive payment when the attackers allegedly shot him.
He said the incident occurred along Makurdi Road, after the Housing Estates area, adding that the family was informed about the incident by residents.
Abduljalal said another relative was also shot in the same area but survived.
He added that the victims were from Jigawa State and had travelled to Nasarawa State to work as commercial motorcycle operators.
Police Warn Riders Against Late-Night Operations
Reacting to the development, the Nasarawa State Police Command advised commercial motorcyclists to avoid operating late at night and remain vigilant.
The command's Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, said many of the attacks occur after dark, with criminals allegedly luring riders with promises of unusually high fares.
He advised riders to be cautious of passengers who offer suspiciously large amounts of money for trips to isolated locations.
Nansel also urged victims and members of the public to promptly report attacks to the police, noting that such reports would assist investigations and help the command identify and arrest the perpetrators.
He, however, disclosed that some recent attacks on commercial motorcyclists had not been officially reported to the police.
.jpeg)
.jpeg "Sunayen kofofin aljanna guda takwas 8")
0 Comment about the Post: