Commercial motorcyclists in various parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) clashed with a joint task force appointed by FCT Minister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike as they sought to prevent the seizure and crushing of their motorcycles. The joint task force, comprising members from DRTS, Police, Civil Defence, DSS, and the military, responded by using teargas canisters to repel the protesters and establish control.
The confrontation unfolded during an operation that led to the impoundment of over 470 motorcycles, starting from the popular car wash bus stop in Lugbe and extending to Gosa, Bill Clinton drive, Trademore estate, Lugbe junction, Kubwa, and its environs. The seized motorcycles were subsequently scheduled to be crushed at Area 1 roundabout.
Addressing journalists before the motorcycles were crushed, the Secretary of the Transportation Secretariat, Nya Ubokutom, emphasized the need for commercial motorcyclists to limit their operations to designated areas. He stated that the Administration’s vision of developing a smart city free from pollution could only be realized if illegalities were curbed in the Federal Capital City.
Director of the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services, Abdulateef Bello, added that, apart from the city center, commercial motorcyclists are not allowed to operate on any of the territory’s highways. The administration is determined to rid all FCT roads of commercial motorcyclists, and strategies include arresting passengers who patronize the business.
However, the operation resulted in unintended victims, with passengers sustaining injuries and one individual almost unconscious after being flung across the road by an escaping motorcyclist at Lugbe junction. Panic ensued in various locations, with food vendors and passersby fleeing upon the arrival of the joint task force. The clashes underscore the challenges in enforcing restrictions on commercial motorcyclists and the tensions that arise between regulatory authorities and affected communities.
