Abia LGA Chairman Cuts Okada Operating Hours Amid Insecurity

The Executive Chairman of Ukwa West Local Government Area in Abia State, Dike Briggs Nwankwo, has announced that commercial motorcycle operations within the council will be limited to the hours of 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, effective July 2, 2026.

The decision follows a series of security incidents in the area, including the recent murder of fresh graduate Mr. Chinye Uche, whose motorcycle was stolen by unidentified assailants, among other criminal acts.

A statement signed by Chidi Onyedikachi, the Chief Press Secretary to the local government Chairman, said the restriction was the result of extensive consultations with the Ukwa West commercial motorcycle (Okada) operators’ union, security agencies, and relevant state authorities.

Under the new measures, the Ukwa West LGA, together with the Commercial Motorcycle Operators’ Union, will begin identifying and registering all motorcycle operators in the council to enhance security and monitoring.

All commercial motorcycle operators have also been instructed to relocate their loading and parking activities to the designated area in front of the market, as agreed with union leadership, to reduce obstruction at junctions and promote free traffic flow.

The council warned that any operator or individual violating the approved operating hours or any of the directives will face enforcement actions, including impoundment of motorcycles, arrest, and prosecution.

These security measures are intended to protect the lives and property of the council’s residents.