COVID-19: Umahi Bans Okada Operations In Ebonyi

Abakaliki- To check unguided entrance into Ebony state, Governor David Umahi yesterday, banned use of motorcycles, popularly known as ‘okada’ in the state.

He said Okada riders were smuggling people into Ebonyi thereby flouting government’s order on border closure.

Umahi made the announcement during a live broadcast on Saturday, April 11, 2020.

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He noted that the ban is statewide, even as he frowned at the flagrant disregard for the closure of the state borders by commercial motorcyclists who smuggle returnees through track roads.

He explained that despite state government’s order closing down Ebonyi borders to protect the people from coronavirus disease, commercial motorcyclists and vehicle operators have continued to bring people into the state.

Umahi further warned that any vehicle caught flouting the lockdown by bringing people into the state will be impounded and auctioned off.

Meanwhile, in a statement by the SA to the Governor on Media, Mr. Francis Nweze explained that the ban takes effect immediately.


“The Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, has noted with dismay how misguided elements hire motorcyclists popularly called Okada to enter Ebonyi State through track roads which contravenes the COVID-19 Law 2020 and as a result, has directed immediate ban of the use of Motorcycles (Okada) in Ebonyi State”.


“This directive is without exception and the ban is an all-time ban across the state. It is imperative to note that our dear Governor is working tirelessly to ensure that this deadly Coronavirus does not enter our dear State and will not relent in his efforts to ensure that the COVID-19 Pandemic does not enter Ebonyi”, it stated.

https://www.independent.ng/covid-19-umahi-bans-okada-operations-in-ebonyi/