By Austin Ogwuda

Asaba—DELTA State Government has banned the use of commercial motorcycles, commonly called Okada, in Sapele and Ika North East Local Government areas, due to what it said was increasing security challenges in the areas.

However, to cushion the effect of the ban, the state government said it has plan to flood the affected areas with over 500 tricycles as added means of transportation.
Speaking to newsmen in Asaba yesterday, Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Ben Ibakpa said although the ban took effect August 1, enforcement will commence in September after a one month grace period.

He said: “Ika South will soon follow. The ban is extended to these places because of security challenges and rampant accidents. There have been cases of criminals using Okada to operate.”
It will be recalled that the state government, in April last year, placed a ban on the use of Okada in Ethiope East Local Government Area as part of measures to curb criminality in the area.