From Rabilu Abubakar, Gombe
Gombe State governor, Inuwa Yahaya has warned that the use of motorcycles could be completely banned across the state if residents continue to resist the current restriction on their movement.
The governor made the remark during an interview on Monday, citing the security threat posed by unregistered motorcycles.
He noted that neighbouring states like Borno and Yobe had already banned motorcycles due to similar concerns.
“In the six weeks since the restriction was imposed, over 1,000 motorcycles have been impounded and 85 percent of them were not registered. That is a clear indication that they are being used for criminal activities,” the governor stated.
The governor, who disclosed that the restriction was introduced by the Commissioner of Police, Bello Yahaya, without prior consultation with his office, however, acknowledged his action as being in line with the duty to protect lives and property.
“We all swore to defend the lives and property of citizens. When people are being trailed to their homes and killed, we cannot sit back and do nothing,” he said.
Yahaya also clarified that the restriction does not stop residents from walking or using commercial tricycles (Keke Napep) and taxis.
To ease the resulting transportation challenges, he said he had directed Gombe Line Transport Company to deploy intra-city buses for public use.
Meanwhile, many residents have voiced their displeasure over the policy, arguing that it has crippled night-time businesses and failed to curb insecurity.
Some of the residents claimed that criminals now operate on foot, targeting people in remote areas and alleys.
