Asaba, Delta – The Delta State government is not leaving any stone unturned following the full implementation of the ban on commercial motorcycle operations, popularly known as 'Okada' in Asaba, and some selected areas in the state.

Residents affected by the government’s ban are in pains as they now spend exorbitantly on transportation fares, thereby swelling the pockets of commercial tricycle (Keke) operators and bus drivers.

According to them, a combine security team are strictly enforcing the ban which commenced two weeks ago, maintaining that the action was in their best interests despite the hardship occasioned by the government's action.

However, while some of those not directly affected by the development welcomed the ban, the okada operators and residents who rely on their services daily are not.

"Vigilantes, the police, even army and other security agents are working together to ensure full enforcement of the ban, in other to maintain law and orderliness in the Asaba metropolis. As I speak to you, the Delta State capital territory has been sanitized; cleared of nuisance and security threats, as a result of the Okada ban", a realtor, Mr Peter Williams, based in Asaba told BENDEL Mirror in a telephone chat on Sunday

The 8 local government areas of Oshimili South, Oshimili North, Ika North East, Ika South, Ethiope East, Sapele, Uvwie and Warri North affected by the ban are worst hit by criminal activities traced to the Okada riders though not every resident depend on their service.

Mary Osibe, a petty trader who purchase foodstuff from Otulu Market and sell at her shop in Oduke, near Bonsaac, Asaba, Oshimili South LGA, told BENDEL Mirror, “The best thing to do is not to ban Okada.”

“Government knows that most of our roads are terribly bad and it is Okada that conveys us to and from our residents. Keke only stops at major streets that are tarred.

“Today (Saturday), I’ve gone to Otulu Market. From Jemok Junction, I chartered a keke. The things I bought were few because I had no adequate fund to buy the items like garri and other food items I needed. So, boarding Okada with N300 could have been better for me than the N1,000 I paid for Keke.", She said

It was learnt that the Okada ban has seriously affected the price of foodstuffs and other commodities which the residents now buy at exorbitant rate due to the astronomical increase in transportation fare.

Some Keke riders are happy because the ban has positioned them to be reaching the areas initially meant for Okada riders and are smiling to the bank.

“The ban has favoured us,” said Keke rider who introduced himself as Gerald. “At least, no day passes without me going home with N30,000 and above. I’m making use of this opportunity while it lasts,” he said as he smiled.

Meanwhile, commissioner of police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi has welcomed the development as he disclosed that the State Police command played a major role in getting the Sheriff Oborevwori-led state government to ban Okada and metal scavengers popularly known as “Iron Condemn” following the upsurge in criminal activities traceable to them.

“Since the ban and the enforcement, there is a lot of down trend in crime across the state,” the CP stated.

“A lot of these ‘Okada’ people don’t even have registration number. Even when they commit a traffic offence, there is no way you can trace them.”