The directive, THE WHISTLER gathered, took effect from 15th June, 2026. The Chairman of the LGA, Mr Chinedu Asogwa, had announced that their operations would be from 6am to 7pm daily, and till further notice.
Mixed reactions have, however, trailed the restriction. John Agbo, a trader, said the order is adversely affecting some categories of the residents.
“I work in Enugu, and return to Nsukka around 7:30pm daily,” says Agbo. “My residence is not along the major road. I had always utilised the services of these okada riders. With the ban, what is my fate? Unfortunately, the restriction is not just commercial operators, but any motorcycle, including private owners. This means that I can’t even engage my friends to help me out unless those that have cars.”
A worker in a private sector, Hyacinth Ogbodo, believes the authorities adopted a wrong approach. “Many workers close around 6pm. Some of them reside at locations far from their places of work. Some work at night, like pubs. Some residents were stranded yesterday because of the development. Okada and Keke operators are the major means of movement for most residents. If this policy is to last longer, then the council authorities should devise effective means of movement, especially in remote areas. They can contract commercial buses to be servicing isolated areas.”
Maureen Osakwe, a trader, commended the LGA for the ban. According to her, “Many things, which people don’t know, happen at Nsukka. There are boys carrying dreadlocks and wearing earrings. We call them yahoo yahoo. They ride fanciful motorcycles. They always carry young girls. Some of the girls disappear forever. Let’s work with the chairman’s initiative, and see the results,” she said.
Meanwhile, some bus operators say the development has returned their business to its lost glory. “Before the coming of Keke, bus driving was giving us money,” narrates Fabian Nnadi, a driver. “But Keke operators and okada riders destroyed our business. Passengers avoided us. Some of us converted our buses to carriers of charcoals, tomatoes and animal manure. Some drivers abandoned their career. With the ban at night, we can return to work, especially at night. This is a rainy season, and passengers will pay anything to get home during emergencies.”
It was gathered that the decision to restrict the operations followed increasing cases of murders suspected to be cult-related in the area.
“I advise the council chairman to encourage community policing,” suggests Osmond Onu, a student. “He should motivate local vigilantes. We understand that the restriction is to check insecurity in the area, but the policy is becoming very harsh on the innocent residents. Since the launch of the scheme, many people have experienced one ordeal and another. Rain has dealt with many. Some trek home. It is even more risky now because hoodlums can utilise the opportunity to attack innocent people at black spots.”
