Abia begins enforcement of motorcycle restrictions, unveils toll-free complaints line

The Abia State Government has initiated the enforcement of restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations in specific areas of Umuahia, Aba, and Ohafia, as part of its efforts to enhance security throughout the state.

Additionally, the government has set up a toll-free public complaints system, allowing residents to report instances of misconduct, extortion, abuse, or other violations by security agencies and task force personnel during the enforcement process.

Okey Kanu, the Commissioner for Information, made this announcement on Monday while addressing journalists at the Government House in Umuahia, regarding the outcomes of the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu noted that the enforcement was originally planned to commence on June 22, 2026, but was delayed by one week to provide affected operators with adequate time to adhere to the new regulations.

“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.

“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.

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.

Kanu clarified that privately owned motorcycles will continue to have free passage as long as they are properly registered and documented; however, they will not be permitted to transport passengers.

He stated that commercial motorcycle operators are restricted to operating within designated areas and are required to wear government-sanctioned identification vests while performing their duties.

Furthermore, he emphasized that all motorcycles, tricycles, and commercial vehicles operating within the state must be adequately registered and documented in accordance with government regulations.

Kanu urged the public to cooperate, asserting that the safety of residents is the government's foremost concern.

"No economic or political factor can surpass the importance of human life. We will persist in our efforts to ensure that Abians and residents can live, work, and move freely in a safe environment," Kanu remarked.

Regarding infrastructure development, the commissioner noted that the Ministry of Works has ramped up road construction and maintenance efforts throughout the state.

He revealed that from June 16 to June 29, 2026, direct labor projects were executed at 14 sites, with five projects completed and one new project initiated.

“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.

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.

“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.

“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.

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