Abia State Government Restricts Operational Hours Of Motorcycles, Tricycles In Aba, Umuahia

In a decisive move to curb the increasing menace of street robberies, the Abia State Government has announced a new restriction on the operational hours of motorcycles and tricycles.

Effective from July 1, 2024, Motorcycles and tricycles will be prohibited from operating between 7:00 PM and 6:00 AM in the major council areas of Umuahia and Aba metropolis.

This measure, as explained by Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, is a “painful but necessary decision” aimed at addressing the rise in criminal activities during late evening and early morning hours.

He emphasized that this restriction is crucial to enhancing the safety and security of residents.

During a press conference held in Umuahia on Tuesday, Commissioner Nwachukwu, accompanied by Prince Okey Kanu, the Commissioner for Information, along with other top government officials and leaders of tricycle and motorcycle unions, appealed to the public for understanding and compliance with the new directive.

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Nwachukwu highlighted that the majority of robbery incidents occur during the restricted hours, hence the need for this preventive measure.

In addition to the time restrictions, the government has mandated the documentation and marking of all commercial vehicles in the state, including tricycles, minibuses, and buses, to facilitate easy identification. This registration process will be free of charge.

To oversee the documentation process, a committee has been established, headed by Navy Commander Macdonald Ubah, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security. This committee includes other top government officials and relevant stakeholders.

The government also plans to collaborate with security agencies to ensure that law-abiding citizens are not victimized during the enforcement of these restrictions.

The initiative has received backing from local transportation unions Leaders such as Azubuike Chigozie, Chairman of the Aba Motorcycle Operators Union, Chiemela Ugbaja, his Umuahia counterpart, and Godson Apollos have all expressed support for the government’s decision, recognizing it as being in the public interest. They urged their members to comply with the new directive to help enhance safety in the state.

The Abia State Government called on all residents to cooperate with these new measures to foster a safer community.