COMMERCIAL MOTORCYCLE RIDERS PROTEST SERIAL KILLINGS IN GBOKO, BENUE
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Commercial motorcycle riders, popularly known as Okada riders, on Friday staged a protest in Gboko to demand urgent government action over what they described as a wave of killings and robberies targeting their members.
The demonstration began in the morning and brought social and commercial activities in the ancient town to a standstill as protesters barricaded major roads, preventing vehicular movement and disrupting business. Riders later marched to the Gboko Local Government Council Secretariat, burned tyres and chanted solidarity songs to draw attention to the security crisis.
One protester who identified himself as Terna said the attacks typically involve passengers who assault or kill riders before stealing their motorcycles. “It has become a frequent occurrence now that our members would carry passengers who, in turn, kill them and snatch their motorcycles. Last night (Thursday), three of our members were killed in this town and their motorcycles taken away,” he alleged.
A union official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to intervene immediately, calling for intensified patrols and a full investigation to halt the killings and protect the riders, many of whom depend on motorcycles as their sole livelihood.
Addressing the protesters, Gboko Local Government Chairman Torseer Yina sympathised with the bereaved families and the BEMOA riders’ association, pledging support and announcing that he had convened a security meeting to instruct personnel to apprehend the perpetrators. He also promised to implement measures aimed at curbing the attacks.
When contacted, the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said the command was investigating the incidents and assured the public that police efforts were ongoing to bring suspects to justice.
The protest highlights growing concerns about the safety of commercial motorcyclists in the region and renewed calls for stronger security measures in Gboko and neighbouring communities.
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