Ondo Tightens Night Motorcycle Ban, Expands Amotekun to Tackle Insecurity
The Ondo State Government has announced stricter security measures, including a ban on commercial motorcycle operations during nighttime hours, as part of renewed efforts to curb kidnapping and other crimes across the state.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, disclosed this during Public Square, a live programme on Adaba 88.9FM in Akure, where he explained that recent security intelligence traced some kidnapping incidents to criminal networks operating within certain communities.
According to him, commercial motorcycle riders are now restricted from operating between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., while all operators have been directed to register with the government within two weeks to enable security agencies identify legitimate riders and flush out criminal elements using motorcycles for illegal activities.
Ajanaku also revealed that the government has moved to regulate the activities of truck pushers, popularly known as “boller,” in Akure metropolis after investigations suggested that some individuals within the group were involved in leaking information that aided criminal operations.
He called on traditional rulers and community leaders across the state to collaborate with security agencies, stressing that community participation is vital to tackling insecurity since criminals often reside within the same communities they operate.
To further strengthen security, the commissioner disclosed that the state government has recruited about 500 additional operatives into the Amotekun Corps, with some of the newly trained personnel already deployed to their communities to boost intelligence gathering and reinforce grassroots security operations across the 18 local government areas of the state.
Beyond security, Ajanaku said the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is sustaining its development drive, highlighting ongoing projects such as the construction of five kilometres of roads in each local government area and the rehabilitation and construction of primary healthcare centres across the 203 wards in the state.
He also pointed to key economic initiatives aimed at attracting investors, including a ₦50 billion Memorandum of Understanding signed with Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited to support projects such as the Araromi Seaport, a modular refinery, and the Okeluse Cement Factory, part of plans to transform Ondo from a civil service-driven economy into an industrial hub.
On political developments, the commissioner dismissed reports of a crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State following the party’s recent congress, describing the exercise as a normal democratic process.
He said party leaders at ward, local government and state levels had resolved all issues arising from the congress, adding that members remain united in supporting the administration and the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
Ajanaku also dismissed speculation of a rift between Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, insisting that both leaders maintain a cordial working relationship and remain committed to the development of Ondo State.
