Oyo Bans Night-Time Okada Operations as Makinde Tightens Security After School Abductions

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has imposed restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations across the state, banning night-time activities by operators as part of new measures to tackle insecurity and criminality.

The directive is contained in Executive Order No. 002 of 2026, signed by the governor on Friday in Ibadan amid growing security concerns following the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.

Under the new order, commercial motorcycle riders, popularly known as okada operators, are prohibited from operating between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. daily.

Makinde said the executive order is designed to strengthen security, enforce vehicle registration regulations, and improve traffic management across the state.

According to the governor, the increasing use of unregistered vehicles, motorcycles, and tricycles in criminal activities has become a major challenge for law enforcement agencies, often complicating investigations and efforts to track suspects.

The order empowers designated enforcement authorities to arrest offenders and impound vehicles, motorcycles, and tricycles found operating in violation of registration and traffic laws.

He explained that offenders would be prosecuted in line with existing laws, while confiscated assets would be processed through due legal procedures.

Linking the new measures to recent security incidents, Makinde expressed concern over the continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area more than 20 days ago.

“We are living through very trying times. For more than 20 days, our teachers and pupils have remained in captivity in the hands of terrorists. Our thoughts and prayers remain with them and their families who continue to endure unimaginable pain and uncertainty,” he said.

The governor assured residents that the state government was working closely with security agencies to secure the release of the victims.

“As a government, we share in their anxiety and hope. We remain committed to doing everything within our power to secure the safe return of every one of them,” he added.

Makinde acknowledged the emotional toll on affected families and communities, stressing that the government had not abandoned efforts to rescue the abductees.

Without revealing operational details, he said significant efforts were ongoing behind the scenes and urged residents not to mistake official silence for inaction.

The governor described security as a collective responsibility and called on citizens to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.

“If you see something, say something, and authorities will do something,” he said, encouraging residents to utilise the state’s toll-free emergency number, 615, to report suspicious activities and security threats.

He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and united, warning against allowing fear and insecurity to weaken social cohesion within communities.

Makinde commended security agencies and operatives of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, for their continued efforts in combating crime and maintaining public safety.

He expressed confidence that sustained collaboration among government agencies, security operatives, community leaders, and residents would not only aid the rescue of the abducted teachers and pupils but also strengthen security across the state.

Earlier, the Oyo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Abiodun Aikomo, said enforcement of the executive order would be carried out by relevant agencies, including the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), the Nigeria Police Force, and other law enforcement bodies.

Aikomo disclosed that enforcement agencies would submit periodic reports to the state government, while the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions would oversee prosecutions arising from violations of the order.

He added that accountability mechanisms had been put in place, including channels for members of the public to report misconduct by enforcement officials.

The signing ceremony was attended by top government officials, security chiefs, and heads of relevant agencies, including Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; and security advisers to the governor.