By Peter Duru, Makurdi
Commercial motorcycle riders grounded social and economic activities in the ancient town of Gboko, Benue State, on Friday, to protest the alleged murder of four of their members by armed men who also took away the motorbikes of their victims.
The protesters, who came out as early as 6 am, rode in very long convoys as they sang war songs and made bonfires in strategic spots around the town.
The protest scared away residents, who stayed away from their offices and businesses for fear of being attacked by the protesters, who ensured the exercise did not turn violent.
One of the leaders of the protesters who preferred anonymity explained that they had to resort to protest to draw the attention of the relevant security agencies to the plight of commercial motorcycle riders in the town.
According to him, “the attack on Okada riders and snatching of our bikes in Gboko has become a daily occurrence. Last night, they killed about four of our members and took away their bikes. This is the business we do to feed our families. Many of us are graduates who have no jobs but have taken to riding an Okada to keep life going.
“What is our sin? They kill our members and snatch their bikes. You can imagine how much a motorbike costs in the market. After suffering to purchase it, sometimes on hire purchase, they attack and take them away. We are tired, that is why we are on the streets today to seek the protection of our members and colleagues, because for every attack and murder of an okada rider, several family members are rendered helpless because a breadwinner is murdered or his source of livelihood is taken away.”
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Gboko LGA, Torseer Yina, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Jacob Ukpi, condemned the attack on commercial motorcycle riders in the town and assured them that measures were being taken to ensure their maximum security in the LGA.
The Chairman, who also addressed the protesters, disclosed that he had convened a security meeting to instruct security personnel to apprehend the perpetrators.
He condoled members of the Benue Motorcycle Association and the families of the deceased, assuring that “we will bring the perpetrators to justice.”
He warned against those sponsoring insecurity in the town, noting Gboko’s history of peace and the Okada riders’ past role in supporting police security efforts.
He appreciated the association’s restraint during the protest and assured them of his support.
Contacted the Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent DSP Udeme Edet, who stated that calm had returned to the town, stressing that the Commander was aware of the situation and that an investigation into the matter had already commenced.
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