Why Abuja may ban Okada, Keke in some areas — Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has explained why the FCT Administration is considering restricting the operations of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, and tricycles, also called Keke Napep, in parts of Abuja.
Speaking during his monthly media chat aired on Channels Television on Tuesday, Wike said the proposed move followed recommendations by the FCT Security Council after intelligence reports linked the use of motorcycles to criminal activities.
According to the minister, he has already approved measures to improve security logistics and directed security agencies to identify areas where the operations of Okada and Keke should be prohibited.
“Apart from this, as you know, just this morning, I signed approval after we had a Security Council meeting, where we agreed that, beyond constituting a nuisance, they have become a security threat.
“From our security reports, bandits, when they don’t act, they use motorcycles,” Wike said.
The minister, however, noted that banning commercial motorcycles and tricycles across the entire Federal Capital Territory would not be practical because of Abuja’s size and transportation needs.
“I’ve told the security agencies to map out areas where we do not need the Keke Napep and the motorcycle, but it will be difficult for you to ban them in the entire Abuja.
“But particularly, it is necessary within the city not to allow Keke Napep and the Okada. They are working that out,” he said.
Wike also disclosed that he had approved the release of logistics to support the planned security operations.
The FCT minister further expressed concern over the increasing number of beggars in Abuja, saying efforts to remove them have produced only temporary results.
“Even the destitute beggars are all over the place, and each time we take them out, they come in again. Each time you take them out, they come in again.
“And people say, ‘Oh, why not provide where they will be staying, feed them?’ How will we continue to be doing that? It means you are encouraging people to leave from Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger and Kaduna.
“How can you fund that? It is not possible.
“So, we try to take them back to where they are coming from, but the next month, you see them back,” he said.
He attributed the challenge to Abuja’s central location, noting that the Federal Capital Territory shares boundaries with four neighbouring states.
“You know Abuja is in the centre, surrounded by four states. So, it’s a big problem, but we’ll do the best we can,” Wike added.
