Abuja commercial motorcyclists demand better security, lament rising bike theft

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Commercial motorcyclists in Bwari Area Council, FCT, have decried rising cases of motorcycle theft in communities across the area.

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The motorcyclists expressed their concerns in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Bwari, Abuja.

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The riders called on security agencies to implement stronger security measures to curb the menace.

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They also decried the frequent seizure of motorcycles by government officials over alleged revenue defaults and parking violations.

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The riders said the situation was adversely affecting their livelihoods, especially those who depend on commercial motorcycle operations as their major source of income.

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One of the riders, Mallam Musa Ibrahim, said motorcycle theft had become a major concern among riders, as losing a motorcycle could destroy their means of survival.

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“This is our source of income; I don’t have any other job. The insecurity in the North made me come here to seek a better livelihood and losing this job will destroy my hopes and means of survival.

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“In the last two weeks, over 15 of my colleagues have lost their motorcycles to thieves at night on lonely routes without security operatives around.

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“Most of them were stabbed; some died on the spot, and many are currently receiving treatment in different hospitals.

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“It is sad that we are struggling to earn a living while still being hunted in this manner,” Ibrahim said.

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He urged security agencies and community leaders to intensify surveillance and patrols, especially around residential areas and places where motorcycles are commonly parked overnight.

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Another commercial rider, Salisu Sanusi, who concurred, said the business was profitable but came with frustrating experiences.

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According to him, robbery attacks were not the only challenges faced by commercial riders.

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He said government officials sometimes seized motorcycles when riders failed to remit stipulated revenues or violated “No Parking” directives, among other defaults.

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He appealed to council authorities to adopt measures that would allow riders to correct minor infractions before their motorcycles were impounded.

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“Most of us operate on a daily income basis. Prolonged seizure can result in loss of income and difficulty in meeting family obligations when our motorcycles are impounded for several days or not returned at all,” he said.

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Sanusi also called for designated motorcycle parks and loading points across communities in Bwari to reduce conflicts with enforcement officials and discourage indiscriminate parking.

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He urged the council and the FCT administration to consider affordable revenue rates, flexible payment options and clearer identification of authorised revenue collectors to prevent exploitation and confusion among riders.

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Another commercial motorcyclist, Bello Mohammed, appealed for government-supported loans or credit facilities to enable tax-paying riders to purchase motorcycles, obtain safety equipment and maintain their livelihoods.

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According to him, such intervention, together with improved security, proper regulation and regular engagement between government officials and commercial riders’ associations, could help create a more organised motorcycle transport system in Bwari.

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Mohammed stressed that government enforcement was necessary for orderliness.

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He, however, urged officials to balance enforcement with measures that protect the livelihood of residents who depend on motorcycles for transportation and income.

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He also called on commercial riders to comply with approved revenue payments, parking regulations and other lawful directives, while urging the government to ensure that enforcement was carried out fairly and transparently.

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“We are trying to earn a living and our passengers only want to get to their destinations safely. We are all here trying to survive and also help each other.

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“There are genuine ways to differentiate the good from the bad riders.

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“I believe that with transparent and stronger collaboration among government, security agencies, community leaders and motorcycle associations, we can reduce theft and improve transportation and economic activities across Bwari communities,” he said. (NAN)

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