School Abduction: Makinde restricts ‘okada’ operations in Oyo
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday signed Executive Order No. 002 of 2026 aimed at strengthening security, enforcing vehicle registration regulations and improving traffic management across the state. The development followed heightened security concerns after the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area. The order also imposed restrictions on the operations […]
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday signed Executive Order No. 002 of 2026 aimed at strengthening security, enforcing vehicle registration regulations and improving traffic management across the state.
The development followed heightened security concerns after the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.
The order also imposed restrictions on the operations of commercial motorcycle riders, popularly known as okada operators.
Speaking during the signing ceremony at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, Makinde said the executive order would provide a legal framework for the strict enforcement of vehicle registration laws and traffic regulations.
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He expressed concern over the increasing use of unregistered vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles in criminal activities, noting that the absence of registration details often hampers investigations by security agencies.
According to him, the order empowers designated enforcement authorities to arrest offenders and impound vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles found to be operating in violation of the law.
He added that offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with existing legal provisions, while confiscated assets would be handled through due process.
Makinde linked the new measures to lessons drawn from recent security breaches in the state, particularly the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
“We are living through very trying times. For more than 20 days, our teachers and pupils have remained in captivity in the hands of terrorists. Our thoughts and prayers remain with them and their families who continue to endure unimaginable pain and uncertainty,” the governor said.
He assured residents that his administration remained committed to securing the safe return of the victims, stressing that efforts were ongoing in collaboration with relevant security agencies.
“As a government, we share in their anxiety and hope. We remain committed to doing everything within our power to secure the safe return of every one of them,” he said.
Makinde acknowledged the anguish being experienced by affected families and communities, insisting that the victims had neither been forgotten nor abandoned.
While declining to disclose operational details, he said extensive efforts were being made behind the scenes and urged residents not to interpret government silence as inaction.
A major highlight of the executive order was the restriction placed on commercial motorcycle operations across the state.
Under the directive, commercial motorcycle operators are prohibited from operating between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. daily.
The governor said the measure was introduced as part of broader efforts to curb criminal activities, enhance surveillance and improve public safety.
He called on residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information on suspicious movements and activities, describing security as a collective responsibility.
“If you see something, say something, and authorities will do something,” he said, urging residents to make use of the state’s toll-free emergency line, 615, to report security threats and emergencies.
Makinde also appealed to citizens to remain vigilant, united and resilient in the face of prevailing security challenges, warning against allowing fear to undermine social cohesion.
He commended security agencies and operatives of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, for their commitment and professionalism in tackling security threats across the state.
The governor expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among security agencies, community stakeholders and residents would not only facilitate the rescue of the abducted teachers and pupils but also strengthen security across Oyo State.