BY SUZAN EDEH, Bauchi

Piqued by the alarming rate of robbery incidents in Bauchi State, the state police command has barred commercial motorcycle operators, otherwise known as  okada riders, from carrying three passengers at a time.

Police Public Relations Officer ASP Mohammed Auyo said in a statement in Bauchi that the measure became imperative in order to curb the new strategy adopted by criminals in the state, pointing out . hoodlums usually used motorcycles with no  number plates to commit atrocities.

Auyo said that the command was worried over the incessant wave of crimes in the state, hence it had taken all necessary precautions to stamp out such activities.

The command warned that anybody found carrying more than one passenger had violated the traffic regulations and will be dealt with accordingly.

Part of the statement read,“the command will soon embark on enforcement of the relevant provision of traffic laws on motor cyclists  in the state and enforce drastic measures in ensuring that  those guilty are arrested and prosecuted accordingly. By this directive, the general public are advised to be on look-out and avail the police with relevant information on any suspicious situation to the nearest police station”.