S’West govs express concern over influx of Okada riders

Governors in the South-West region of the country have expressed concern over the influx of commercial motorcyclists, otherwise known as Okada riders, into all parts of the region, especially the state capitals.

The governors, who reviewed reports on the factors militating against peace and security in the South-West, said efforts must be geared toward identity management of Okada riders and stringent regulation be put in place for their operation in the region.

This is just as the governors declared a 3-day mourning period over the terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa Street, Owo, Ondo State, where dozens of worshippers were killed.

They further directed that the National flags should be flown at Half Mast in all public buildings across the South-West states as a mark of honour for the departed souls of the terror attack.

This was contained in a communique signed at the end of the governors’ virtual meeting held on Friday.

The communique partly read: “The Governors condemn, in very strong terms, the horrendous crime perpetrated by Terrorist against the people and residents of Owo, Ondo State, and, by extension, the peace-loving people of the South West. The Governors sympathise with the victims of the mindless attack in Owo.

“The Governors agreed to declare a 3-day mourning period in memory of the victims of the 5th June 2022 terror attack on St Francis Catholic, Owaluwa Street, Owo, Ondo State, starting from Monday, 13th June, to Wednesday, 15th June 2022 to symbolise our collective loss across all South Western States in Nigeria.

“The meeting agreed that all the Governors should direct the flying of Flags at Half Mast in all public buildings, facilitates and official residences across all the States in the South West in honour of the victims of the Owo terror attack.

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“The Governors noted, with great discomfiture, the increasing agitations about spaces taken over by unidentified and unknown migrants in all South West States. The meeting, therefore, recommends an increase in the scope of surveillance of the activities of these undocumented settlers by relevant security agencies in all the States.

“The Governors, as Chief Security Officers, resolved to continue to assist the security agencies in the areas of crisis management and intelligence gathering at all times.

“The Governors reviewed reports from various States on the factors militating against peace and security in the region.  They expressed grave concern on the influx of Okada riders into all parts of the South West, especially the State capitals. The meeting further resolved that efforts be geared toward identity management of Okada riders and stringent regulation put in place for their operation.

“Consequently, the Forum decided it was time to reconvene the South West Security Committee to look critically into this creeping menace before it blossoms into another intractable social problem.

“The Committee will be expected to submit its findings on the desirability of Okada operations in the region. It is also expected to submit a multi-level template to combat the threat of insurgency and terrorism in the region.

“The Forum agreed to convene forthwith a physical meeting of the South West Governors to deliberate on the security challenges confronting the region.”

Governors who participated in the virtual meeting include their chairman, Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, Dr Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo).

The Star