The Abia State Government has commenced the enforcement of restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations in designated areas of Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia as part of efforts to strengthen security and improve public safety across the state.
The government also unveiled a toll-free public complaint system to enable residents report cases of misconduct, extortion, abuse or other infractions by security agencies and enforcement task force personnel during the exercise.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti at the Government House, Umuahia.
Kanu recalled that the enforcement was initially scheduled to begin on June 22 but was postponed by one week to allow commercial motorcycle operators and other affected residents sufficient time to comply with the new regulations.
Under the enforcement guidelines, commercial motorcycle operators are restricted to approved operational areas and are required to wear government-approved identification vests while carrying out their activities.
He added that all motorcycles, tricycles and commercial vehicles operating within the state must be properly registered and documented in line with government regulations.
The Commissioner announced that violators of the restrictions would pay a ₦20,000 penalty, while impounded motorcycles would only be released after owners fulfil all registration, documentation and verification requirements.
He clarified that privately owned motorcycles are exempt from the restriction, provided they are duly registered and are not used for commercial passenger transportation.
Kanu appealed to residents, transport operators and community leaders to cooperate with the government, stressing that the safety of lives remains the administration’s top priority.
“No economic or political consideration can outweigh the value of human life. We remain committed to ensuring that residents live and move freely in a safe and secure environment,” he said.
On infrastructure, the Commissioner said the Ministry of Works has intensified road construction and maintenance across the state, revealing that direct labour projects were carried out at 14 locations between June 16 and June 29, with five projects completed and a new one added.
He added that 24 major road projects are currently under construction across the state, with contractors making significant progress.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), confirmed that the state government is working closely with security agencies to rescue two schoolchildren allegedly abducted after accepting a ride from a tricycle operator in Umuosu Nsulu.
Describing the incident as a suspected case of child trafficking, Ubah disclosed that security agencies had launched investigations and were collaborating with police commands in neighbouring states to locate the missing children after an initial lead in Imo State proved unsuccessful.
The state government reassured residents of its commitment to strengthening security, protecting lives and sustaining ongoing infrastructure development across Abia State.
