Abia launches crackdown on motorcycle bans, introduces free hotline for public grievances

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The Abia State Government has commenced enforcement of restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations in designated areas of Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia as part of efforts to improve security across the state.

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The government has also established a toll-free public complaints system to enable residents to report cases of misconduct, extortion, abuse or other infractions by security agencies and task force personnel during the enforcement exercise.

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The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists at the Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

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Kanu recalled that the enforcement was initially scheduled to begin on June 22, 2026, but was postponed by one week to allow affected operators time to comply with the new regulations.

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“The state government recognises that thousands of hardworking citizens depend on motorcycle transportation for their livelihood and movement and fully appreciates the concerns raised by affected operators and members of the public.

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“It was in demonstration of this understanding that the government sanctioned the postponement of the commencement date to enable affected persons to comply with the new regulatory requirements and make necessary adjustments,” Kanu stated.

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He said the penalty for violating the restriction remains N20,000, adding that impounded motorcycles would only be released after owners fulfilled all registration, documentation, verification and other statutory requirements.

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Kanu explained that private motorcycles would continue to enjoy free passage provided they are duly registered and documented but would not be allowed to carry passengers.

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According to him, commercial motorcycle operators are only permitted to operate within approved jurisdictions and must wear government-approved identification vests while carrying out their operations.

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He added that all motorcycles, tricycles and commercial vehicles operating in the state must be properly registered and documented in line with government regulations.

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Appealing for public cooperation, Kanu said the safety of residents remained the government’s priority.

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“No economic or political consideration can outweigh the value of human life. We will continue to ensure that Abians and residents can live, work and move about freely in a secure environment,” Kanu stated.

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On infrastructure development, the commissioner said the Ministry of Works had intensified road construction and maintenance activities across the state.

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He disclosed that between June 16 and June 29, 2026, direct labour works were carried out at 14 locations, with five projects completed and one new project added.

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According to him, the completed projects include the 1.19-kilometre Obikabia-Umueleke Road Phase One in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, the 550-metre Uzoma-Ohokobe-Afara-Ohokobe Road to Polygon Junction off Aba Road, Chief Nkoro Street to Udeagbala Road in Aba, rainy season maintenance works on Ojari Road in Arochukwu, and desilting works along Faulks Road in Aba.

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He also announced the commencement of the Green Avenue Square project in Aba, adding that 24 road projects are currently under construction across the state.

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“The state government, through the Ministry of Works, continues to push the boundaries in road construction and infrastructure development, with visible progress being made across the state,” Kanu stated.

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Responding to questions on the recent abduction of two schoolchildren at Umuosu Nsulu, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah, described the incident as a case of child trafficking and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to rescue the victims.

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“We know it happened after school on Friday. That is even a cause for concern for us parents. Five pupils were carried by a Keke, and then three of the five pupils were sent to buy fuel; then the other two were abducted.

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“That is a typical case of child trafficking. The state government is aware that we have set the ball rolling to make sure that we recover them. We actually acted on false information and went somewhere in Ngo-Okpala in Imo State, but it turned out that the information we got was wrong. The CP has contacted CPs of the neighbouring states,” Ubah stated.

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The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu, was also present at the briefing.

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