The Nation Newspaper

Tag: motorcycles

  • Simba unveils motorcycles for farmers

    Farmers in northern Nigeria have got a relief as the Wandel International Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Simba Group of automobile companies in India yesterday launched TVS XL-100 and TVS NEO-XR motorcycles in Kano targeting local farmers in the Nigerian market.

    The motorcycles were designed with special features to suit the needs of rural farmers who constitute over 80 per cent of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

    Speaking to reporters during the launch, the Head of 2-wheelers section of the automobile firm, Mr. Ritesh Kumar Nair said though the products could be used for private purposes, its primary objective was to facilitate the movement of farmers and their products, particularly, in the rural areas.

  • Ondo, Rivers, Bayelsa paid highest motorcycles fair in January – NBS

    Ondo, Rivers, Bayelsa paid highest motorcycles fair in January – NBS

    The National Bureau of Statistics ( NBS ) says residents of Ondo State, Rivers and Bayelsa paid the highest per drop fares to commercial motorcycles, popularly known as ‘Okada’, in January.

    The NBS made the disclosure in its “Transport Fare Watch” report for January 2018 posted on its website.

    According to the report, residents of Ondo State paid N200.76 per drop, Rivers paid N200.12, while Bayelsa residents paid N193.75 per drop fares in the period.

    The report stated that states with the lowest journey fares by commercial motorcycle per drop were Bauchi, N65.00, Jigawa, N68.82 and Katsina N70.00.

    It said that the average fare paid by commuters for journey by commercial motorcycle per drop increased by 6.97 per cent month-on-month.

    It also said that the average fare paid by commuters for journeys in the month increased by 27.37 per cent year-on-year to N120.01 in January 2018 from N112.19 in December 2017.

    The report covers the following categories – bus journey within the city per drop, constant route and bus journey intercity.

    It also covered air fare charge for specified routes single journey, journey by motorcycle (Okada) per drop and water way passenger transport.

    The bureau said that average fare paid by commuters for bus journey within the city increased by 7.31 per cent month-on-month and 49.69 per cent year-on-year.

    It indicated that the fares increased to N183.86 in January 2018 from N171.34 in December 2017.

    It stated that states with the highest bus journey fares within city were Abuja FCT, (N380), Cross River (N303.57) and Abia (N250.00).

    It also reported that states with the lowest bus journey fares within city were Bauchi (N96.67), Anambra (N112.67) and Borno (N120.00).

    According to the report, average fare paid by commuters for intercity bus journey increased by 10.11 per cent month-on-month and 32.09 per cent year-on-year.

    This, it said increased to N1, 889.69 in January 2018 from N1,716.26 in December 2017.

    The report said that states with highest intercity bus journey fares were Abuja FCT (N5,625.00), Adamawa (N3,358.57) and Borno (N3,000.00), while the lowest were Yobe (N1,150.00), Bayelsa (N1,122.73) and Katsina (N1,114.29).

    The average fare paid by air passengers for specified routes single journey decreased by 0.99 per cent month-on- month and increased to 7.34 per cent year-on-year to N33,055.01 in January 2018 from N33,386.09 in December 2017.

    States with the highest air fares were Abuja FCT (N49,000.00), Edo (N41,000.00) and Lagos (N40,500.00), while states with the lowest air fares were Osun (N25,714.89), Taraba (N26,000.00) and Nasarawa (N26,000.00).

    The report indicated that average fare paid by passengers for water way passenger transport increased by 1.03 per cent month-on-month and 7.65 per cent year-on-year to N638.04 in January 2018 from N631.55 in December 2017.

    It stated that states with highest fare by water way passenger transport were Bayelsa (N1,962.50), Rivers (N2,100.00) and Cross Rivers (N1,877.78).

    The report indicated that states with lowest fare by water way passenger transport were Abuja FCT (N250.00), Gombe (N180.00) and Borno with passengers paying N152.00.

    NAN

  • 72 arrested as task force seizes 196 motorcycles

    TASK FORCE officials have impoubnded 196 motorcycles and arrested 72 riders for plying restricted routes.

    Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and  Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce) and  Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) officials made the seizure and arrest   in Mile 2 during a joint operation..

    In a statement, the task force said investigation showed that the activities of the motorcycle riders were on the increase as they  dispossessed people of their valuables such as phone, jewelleries and bags at daytime and night

    Its Chairman, Olayinka Egbeyemi, a Superintendent of Police (SP), advised Okada riders to screen out the criminals among them and educate others to stop plying any of the restricted 475 routes which include highways and bridges.

    He enjoined private power bike owners/operators, particularly corporate bodies, to warn their despatch riders not to  engage in illegal commercial activities.

  • ‘Don’t phase out motorcycles, tricycles’

    ‘Don’t phase out motorcycles, tricycles’

    Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi has urged states and local governments to integrate motorcycles and tricycle operations into their transportation system instead of phasing them out.

    Amaechi said motorcycle and tricycle operations have been playing vital role in nation-building and development as they are primary means of transportation in many – difficult – to – reach areas of the country.

    The minister spoke in Abeokuta, Ogun State, at the inauguration of the state Secretariat of the Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners Repairs and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN).

    Amaechi, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Mass Transit Administration in the ministry, Foluke Oni, noted that it was plausible to allow Nigerians “choose the means of transportation that suit them”.

    He, however, recommended continuous use of helmets, training and retraining of riders as well as insurance cover for motorcyclists, tri-cyclists and the users to guarantee safety on the roads.

    “There is need for states and local governments to integrate these tricycles and motorcycles operations into their mode of transportation and should begin to think more on how to enhance their operations rather than thinking of phasing them out,” he said.

  • Task force impounds 163 motorcycles

    Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Task Force) at the weekend impounded 163 motorcycles and arrested 29 motorcyclists at 2nd Rainbow, on Mile 2 Road including Festac.

    The task force invaded the area on Friday following an allegation that a sister security agency on Thursday aided some hoodlums to attack and remove four of the 20 impounded motorcycles from the Task force’s truck while taking them from Apapa to the Task force crush yard.

    Its Chairman Olayinka Egbeyemi, a Superintendent of Police (SP) reiterated his commitment to enforce the State Road Traffic Laws.

    He said: “There must be a synergy between all security agencies so as to collectively fight the menace of Okada riders on all restricted routes.”

    Egbeyemi said there were complaints from the public on criminal activities of some Okada riders, which include snatching of bags, phones, wallets and jewelleries.

  • Six vehicles, 68 motorcycles impounded

    The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Task Force) at the weekend impounded six vehicles and 68 motorcycles for driving/ riding against traffic on Apongbon Bridge, Lagos Island.

    Task Force Chairman Olayinka Egbeyemi, who led the operation, said the offences contravened the Lagos State Road Traffic Laws of 2012.

    He said he was surprised that the offenders drove/rode against traffic without fear of collision with on-coming vehicles.

    Egbeyemi warned all illegal commercial motorists and traders operating under the Apongbon Bridge, including those collecting illegal fees, to vacate the area immediately.

    “We are issuing a final warning to all those concerned including illegal touts with uniforms collecting fees from motorists and traders under the Apongbon Bridge to vacate the area immediately.”

    Egbeyemi hinted that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is investing a “huge amount of money” in constructing Bus Terminals across the state for the public’s benefit.

  • Reps urge FG to register motorcycles, tricycles to stem crime

    Reps urge FG to register motorcycles, tricycles to stem crime

    The House of Representatives on Thursday urged the Federal Government to register motorcycles and tricycles across the country to increase revenue and reduce accidents on the roads.

    The house also mandated the Committee on Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to interface with the Directorate of Road Transport Service and other stakeholders on the matter and report back in four weeks.

    The resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion on the need to regulate the use of motorcycles and tricycles on public roads, sponsored by Rep. Sunday Karimi (Kogi-PDP).

    Moving the motion, Karimi said that the unregulated use of motorcycles and tricycles had become a security threat in most parts of the country.

    “This is because motorcycles have now been used to perpetuate crime such as rape, armed robbery and terrorism.

    “In addition, the non-registration of motorcycles and its riders cause accidents, which are often fatal as either of the rider or passengers wears a crash helmet.

    “Unfortunately, the agencies of government empowered to superintend these modes of transport have abdicated their duties for long.

    “And, if the law enforcement agencies continue to abdicate their duties, unregistered motorcycles and tricycles will continue to increase and be used for heinous crimes,’’ Karimi said.

    He added that aside licensing motorcycles and tricycles to boost revenue generation for the government, it would also reduce accidents arising from untrained and inexperienced drivers plying the roads.

  • Traffic law: Lagos to crush over 4000 impounded motorcycles

    Traffic law: Lagos to crush over 4000 impounded motorcycles

    …Plans total ban in Lekki-VI axis

    The Lagos State Government on Monday said it has concluded plans to commence the crushing and recycling of over 4000 impounded commercial motorcycles popularly called Okada, in line with the provisions of the State Traffic Law 2012.

    Disclosing this to journalists at the Olusosun refuse dump site in Ojota, the State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said the recent clampdown on Okada across the State was a fall out of the Government’s resolve to address the security concerns posed by their operations, saying that criminals are in the habit of using Okada to perpetrate crime and get away.

    The Lagos Traffic Law 2012 prohibits the operations of Okada and Tricycles also known as Keke Marwa from operating in certain routes and areas across the State.

    He said the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode had directed that the Police and other security agencies concerned redouble efforts to ensure the Law is complied with, assuring that the clampdown will be sustained vigorously on a daily basis.

    He said: “It would not be one off. So far, we have impounded about 500 motorcycles since we started our renewed efforts and we now have a total of about 4, 000 bikes ready to be crushed. The law made provisions on how those motorcycles should be handled and the law also made provision on how to handle those that have flouted the law itself.”

    According to Owoseni, the decision to crush and recycle the impounded motorcycles was in accordance with the provision of the Law.

    Owoseni said aside impounding the motorcycles and tricycles, the enforcement would also clampdown on the operators and residents who patronise them, adding that mobile courts would be instituted to try arrested offenders.

    “The operators of the commercial motorcycles and those patronizing them, with time, you will get to see the Mobile Court going around to try some of those that have been arrested. What we are saying here is that we want people in Lagos to know that there is a law and the law is made for a purpose and if all of us obey the law and conform, the better for us.”

    Besides, Owoseni said that due to the constant challenges of enforcing the law, the State Government was already considering an outright ban on okada operations in some areas of the State starting with the Lekki and Victoria Island axis.

    He frowned at the flagrant way Okada and tricycle operators flout the Traffic Law especially by not obeying traffic light, saying that in most cases it leads to avoidable accident and death of innocent citizens.

    “The Okada riders, no doubt, have been a sort of menace. They go into the road and flout the laws with impunity. When they get to where you have the traffic lights, they behave as if it is not meant for them and combine with that is the way the criminal elements put the motorcycles to either snatch money or use them as a getaway in some areas and the same law says that citizens should not patronize commercial motorcycles on prohibited routes.

    “Not only that, the law says that by 8pm, they should not be on the road and so the message we are passing is that this is not going to be a one-off thing, we will continue and sustain it. We just like to appeal to people to stop patronizing Okada plying restricted routes,” Owoseni said.

    Corroborating him, Acting Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Olanrewaju Elegushi said the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode recently warned all commercial motorcycles to steer clear of restricted routes as the clampdown on defaulters would be total.

    “We have an enforcement unit led by the Commissioner of Police, the Task Force on Environmental and Other Special Offences, the Divisional Police Officers and the Area Commanders. They have started enforcement and we came to see how far they have gone,” Elegushi said.

     

     

  • Task force impounds 98 motorcycles, tricycles

    The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit Task Force at the weekend impounded 98 motorcycles including tricycles at Rainbow Bus Stop in Mile 2, Lagos.

    A statement by the agency’s spokesman, Taofiq Adebayo, said the arrest was made by a squad led by the Task Force Chairman, Olayinka Egbeyemi, a Superintendent of Police (SP).

    According to the statement, Egbeyemi disclosed that the operation was carried out “based on persistence petitions from members of the public around FESTAC and Mile 2 about criminal activities perpetrated by operators of both motorcycles and tricycles.

    It said: “The Chairman disclosed further that residents living around these areas complain that criminals use both motorcycles and tricycles to dislodge them of their valuable properties during the day-time and at night.

    “The residents have complained in the petition to the Task Force that they could no longer sleep with their two eyes closed.

    “A resident who refused to disclose his residential address within the estate, Alhaji Wasiu Olaniran, said it has become worrisome seeing these people using motorcycles and tricycles to perpetrate criminal activities around the area. He said they usually dispossess people of their valuables such as wallets, neck-chains and telephones.

    “Olaniran requested for regular raiding of the criminals around the area while commending the Chairman of the Lagos Task Force for his prompt intervention.

    “Another victim, who also retained her residential identity, Mrs. Ngosi Akpan, said these criminals riding on motorcycles cut her neck-chains and snatched her Samsung Galaxy phone while she was going home from work. She said she is a teacher in one of the schools around the area.”

    Egbeyemi said the agency would continue to impound and arrest violators of government policy on restricted routes across the state until owners and operators of both motorcycles and tricycles comply with the order as enshrined in the Lagos State Road Traffic Laws of 2012

    He noted that the government policy on restricted routes across the state was meant to protect lives residents including those of the owners and operators of motorcycles and tricycles as well as  their passengers’.

    The chairman, the statement noted, restated the agency’s readiness to confront head-on the ‘notorious’ motorcyclists and tricycle operators plying restricted routes at Apapa, Ikorodu, Mile 2, Agege, Lagos Island, Ido, Ebute-Metta, Ojuelegba, Fagba area at Iju, Airport Road and Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.

    “Egbeyemi hinted that the government is currently working on providing the Agency with more protective equipment that would safe guard them from series of attacks while on duty”, the statement said.

    He, however, urged private power-bike operators, particularly companies’ dispatch-riders, to desist from engaging in commercial activities by carrying passengers on restricted routes across the state.

    Egbeyemi warned that erring riders will be arrested and charged to court and their power-bike impounded.

    The Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, is said to have directed that all those arrested should be charged to court and warned that the state will not spare anyone using motorcycles to perpetrate crime.

    In the same vein, the Chairman of the Motorcycle Riders and Owners Association of Lagos State (NAKOWA), Alhaji Sulaimon Raji Adesina said the association will partner with the Task Force by delegating some of its members to regularly be with the agency.

  • RRS arrests ‘Legion officer’ for ‘stealing’ four motorcycles

    RRS arrests ‘Legion officer’ for ‘stealing’ four motorcycles

    Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) have arrested a legionnaire for posing as an official of the Lagos State Taskforce on Special Offences to rob motorcycle riders in Agege and its environs.

    The suspect, Umam Hrmid, 48, from Borno, a Second Lieutenant of the Lagos State Command of the Nigerian Legion, was arrested on Friday evening around 10:30pm by RRS operatives in Agege after dispossessing one Amin Al–Hassan of his motorcycle.

    The suspect, who was working with his accomplice, Tijani Bashir, now at large, had accosted his victim, Al–Hassan, at Total Filling Station, Agege and introduced himself as a policeman attached to the Lagos State Taskforce on Special Offences.

    He allegedly told his victim that he was impounding his motorcycle for plying restricted area and for operating at prohibited hour.

    The Nation learnt that Al–Hassan pleaded for negotiation but Hrmid insisted his victim must bring N20, 000, but the motorcyclist offered N5, 000 which the suspect rejected.

    “When he refused to accept the N5, 000, he mounted the bike and rode it towards Iyana-Ipaja. I begged him but he told me to get down from the bike because I sat behind him while his partner rode the bike they brought,” Al–Hassan told RRS.

    “He rode through Agbotikuyo; At  Mulero, I forced the bike to a stop by removing its key from the ignition, and I got down.  We were arguing when two passers-by joined us and they requested for his identity card when he told them that he was a policeman with the task force. Reluctantly, he flashed his ID card before them but one of them was so swift to snatch it from him. Then, he began to chase the guy, who quickly ran towards a RRS patrol team nearby who arrested him and collected the dagger he was holding,” he added.

    At the RRS’s Headquarters, three other victims from whom Hrmid had collected bikes weeks before he was caught came with particulars of their bikes, alleging that Hamid, along with an accomplice, whom they described, took their bikes.

    The victims, Shuaib Abdullahi, Umaru Hassan and Salisu Umaru, stated that the suspect collected their motorcycles in a spate of three weeks, and that one of his victims was shot at a close range in the cheek at Shoretire Street, Agege.

    Abdullahi told RRS that the suspect around 9pm on Wednesday last week, took his bike marked FKJ 259 QA, Boxer model, from him, under the pretext that he was taking him to the task force office.

    “He drove me to Ile–Zik before threatening me to get down or he would kill him at the deserted place. I requested for his number and he gave me a fake number. I called the number immediately he left but the number didn’t go. I learnt he was arrested yesterday, that was why I came to RRS to collect my Okada from him,” he was quoted by RRS.

    The suspect, however, failed to deny the allegations of the three other victims when they confronted him.

    Police spokesperson Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent of Police (SP) said Hrmid’s arrest might help to shed more light on reported cases of motorcycles theft in Agege and its environs.

    The suspect, she said, has been transferred to Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) for further investigations.