Edo councils restrict movement of motorbike riders, suspend scrap dealers’ activities over insecurity

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Edo councils restrict movement of motorbike riders, suspend scrap dealers’ activities over insecurity

The authorities of Etsako West Local Government Area have banned the movement of motorcycles, popularly known as okada, within the locality between the hours of 8 pm and 6 am.

Waploaded reports that the acting chairman of Esan North-East Local Government Area, Mr Paul Uhomesili, also announced the immediate suspension of all scrap metal dealer activities in the Uromi and Uzea communities.

The actions of the two local governments were prompted by the spate of insecurity in the areas.

A statement by the secretary to the Etsako West Local Government, Hon. Zikanene Momodu Oyakhamoh, dated 17 April 2025, stated that the acting chairman of the council, Hon. Valentine Okwilague, noted that the restriction is intended to curb criminal activities and improve the general security architecture of the area.

Oyakhamoh, who said the decision was in response to the growing insecurity concerns across the locality, noted that it was aimed at enhancing the safety and well-being of residents.

“This move follows a broader trend across several local government areas in Edo State and beyond, where motorcycle restrictions have been adopted as a strategy to reduce incidents of crime and improve night-time security.

“Residents and all concerned parties are expected to comply with the directive and cooperate fully with law enforcement agents assigned to enforce it.

“Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, DSS, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, have been notified and are expected to begin enforcement immediately,” he said.

On his part, the acting chairman of Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Mr Paul Uhomesili, announced the immediate suspension of all scrap metal dealer activities in the Uromi and Uzea communities.

The chairman’s decision was conveyed in a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Oriwoh Henry.

The statement, dated 15 April 2025, warned that anyone found scavenging for scrap metals from 22 April 2025 would be considered to be acting illegally.

Uhomesili stated that the decision was in response to mounting concerns from residents who alleged that many of the dealers were involved in criminal activities such as vandalism and theft.

“Residents have accused scrap metal dealers of not only scavenging from refuse heaps for electric cables, disused plastics, and metals but also breaking into homes and public facilities to vandalise properties in search of metal materials.

“The decision to suspend the activities of scrap dealers in the locality has become necessary due to reports of vandalism of both government, public and individuals’ cables, wires, and properties and persistent harassment and nuisance caused by the activities of the scrap metal dealers,” he said.

The acting chairman further directed all individuals currently involved in the scrap metal trade to report to the local government council office for proper profiling and identification.