NIGERIA: The leadership of Uvwie Local Government Council in Delta State has imposed a 10 PM to % AM ban on tricycle operations in Effurun and other towns
The ban, contained in a public notice signed by Anthony Onoriode Ofoni, Chairman of the council, said the restriction followed widespread complaints and incidents of violent crimes such as robbery, gang-rapes and other nefarious activities of some operators.
Tricycle, popularly called keke, is a popular means of transportation in Uvwie and other parts of the state, but recently criminals have adopted it as a quick getaway mobility tool to rob unsuspecting members of the public.
“This is to inform the general public and all tricycle (keke) operators that following the incessant complaints and public outcry about robbery, gang rape and other nefarious activities perpetrated by operators in Effurun and other communities in Uvwie LGA, has decided to limit the operating hours of tricycle from 5.00 am to 10.00 pm every day,” the statement said.
Ofoni said the action was informed by the need to protect the lives and property of residents of those areas and to ensure peace and order in Uvwie.
“With effect from Monday, 16th September, any operator caught working outside the free operating hours will have their tricycles impounded and operators arrested.”
It would be recalled that Effurun, Ekpan and other enclaves in the area have experienced increased criminal activities, including a recent killing of three persons, including two policemen and driver.
The victims worked with a foodstuff merchant and the wife of a member of the State House of Assembly, Mr Austin Uroye, who was shot in a failed attempt to abduct her in the Jakpa Road area of Effurun.
