Commercial motorcycle riders, widely known as Okada riders, staged a protest in Gboko, Benue State, on Friday over the alleged serial killings of their members. The demonstration, which began in the morning, brought social and business activities in the town to a standstill.
During the protest, riders blocked major roads across Gboko, halting vehicular movement and disrupting commercial activities.
The protesters also marched to the Gboko Local Government Council Secretariat to draw the attention of the council chairman to the escalating violence. They burnt tyres and chanted solidarity songs, calling for urgent government intervention to stop the attacks on their members.
One of the riders, who identified himself as Terna, said that several of their colleagues had recently fallen victim to violent attacks by unknown assailants who either killed or maimed them before stealing their motorcycles.
He added, “It has become a frequent occurrence now that our members carry passengers who, in turn, kill them and snatch their motorcycles.” “Last night, three of our members were killed, and their motorcycles taken away.”
Authorities Pledge Protection for Motorcycle Riders in Gboko
A union leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized that Okada riders are peace-loving citizens who contribute meaningfully to the local economy and deserve better protection from authorities.
He appealed to Governor Hyacinth Alia to intervene immediately by directing security agencies to investigate the killings and increase patrols across Gboko and neighboring communities.
Responding to the protest, Chairman of Gboko Local Government, Torseer Yina, expressed sympathy for the victims and their families and assured the riders of his full support. He confirmed that he had convened a security meeting to instruct law enforcement to apprehend the perpetrators.
Yina also promised to implement necessary measures to curb the rising violence and condoled with the BEMOA association for the loss of their members.
The state police command, through its spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed that investigations into the incidents are ongoing and assured the public that law enforcement authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
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