Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Friday announced fresh restrictions on the operations of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, as part of measures aimed at addressing security concerns and improving traffic management across the state.
The governor made the announcement while signing Executive Order No. 002 of 2026 at his office on Friday, June 5. The order is designed to strengthen security, enforce vehicle registration laws and ensure strict compliance with traffic regulations.
The move comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of the state, particularly the continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area more than 20 days ago.
Makinde explained that the executive order became necessary because unregistered vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles have increasingly been used to perpetrate criminal activities across the state.
According to him, security agencies often face challenges in tracking and investigating crimes involving unregistered vehicles due to the absence of identifiable registration details.
He stated that the order provides the legal framework for the strict enforcement of vehicle registration requirements and traffic regulations, including sanctions against driving against traffic and other related offences.
The governor disclosed that designated enforcement authorities have been empowered to arrest offenders and impound vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles found violating the provisions of the order.
He added that those apprehended would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, while seized assets and properties would be handled through established legal procedures.
Makinde linked the latest measures to lessons learnt from recent security breaches, especially the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
“We are living through very trying times. For over 20 days, our teachers and pupils have remained in captivity in the hands of terrorists. Our thoughts and prayers remain with them and with their families who continue to endure unimaginable pain and uncertainty,” he said.
He assured residents that his administration remained fully committed to securing the release of the victims.
“As a government, we share in their anxiety and their hope, and we remain committed to doing everything within our power to secure the safe return of every one of them,” Makinde stated.
The governor acknowledged the pain being experienced by the affected families and communities, stressing that the abducted teachers and pupils had neither been forgotten nor abandoned.
Although he declined to disclose operational details for security reasons, Makinde maintained that extensive efforts were ongoing behind the scenes and urged residents not to mistake the government’s silence for inaction.
One of the major highlights of the executive order is the restriction placed on commercial motorcycle operations across Oyo State.
Makinde announced that commercial motorcycle operators would no longer be allowed to operate between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. across the state, describing the measure as part of additional efforts to enhance security and public safety.
He said the restriction formed part of broader strategies aimed at curbing criminal activities and strengthening surveillance within communities.
The governor also appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing timely information on suspicious movements and activities, noting that security is a collective responsibility.
“If you see something, say something, and authorities will do something,” he said, while reminding residents of the state’s toll-free emergency number, 615, for reporting security threats and emergencies.
Makinde urged residents to remain vigilant, united and resilient despite the current security challenges, warning against allowing fear to undermine communal harmony and confidence.
He commended security agencies and members of the Amotekun Corps for their dedication, sacrifices and professionalism in responding to threats across the state.
The governor expressed confidence that sustained collaboration among security agencies, community stakeholders and residents would lead to the safe rescue of the abducted teachers and pupils and further strengthen security in Oyo State.
Earlier, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, said relevant agencies, including the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement bodies, would implement the order and submit periodic reports on enforcement activities to the state government.
Aikomo added that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions would oversee prosecutions arising from the exercise to ensure transparency and accountability, while members of the public would be encouraged to report any misconduct by officials involved in implementing the order.
Those present at the signing ceremony included the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde; Special Adviser on Security, Abayomi Fagbenro; Executive Assistant on Security, Compol Sunday Odukoya (rtd.); Chairman of OYRTMA, Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd.); and other heads of relevant law enforcement and road management agencies.
