Many rendered jobless as Wike-led FCTA crushes over 470 motorcycles in Abuja

On Thursday, the Joint Task Force of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) took decisive action by destroying over 470 motorcycles that had been confiscated for illegal operation within the capital city of Abuja.

This operation commenced at the Carwash Bus Stop in Lugbe and extended through Gosa, Bill Clinton Drive, Trademore Estate, Lugbe Junction, and Kubwa, where the motorcycles had been seized by the taskforce.

According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a similar operation on August 31 had already led to the impoundment and destruction of more than 400 motorcycles for the same offense.

Mr. Obokutom Nyah, the Secretary of the Transportation Secretariat under the FCTA, clarified during the operation that the decision to crush the motorcycles was in accordance with legal provisions. Nyah cautioned commercial motorcyclists to adhere to designated areas, steer clear of the city center, and cease posing security threats in the city.

He emphasized that specific areas were allocated for various types of vehicles, emphasizing that commercial motorcycles were only permitted to operate in the suburbs. Nyah cautioned operators to respect these boundaries and warned that crossing the line would result in severe legal consequences.

Additionally, Mr. Abdulateef Bello, the Director of the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services, expressed concern over the excessive number of motorcycles operating within the city. Bello announced the taskforce’s intention to extend its operations into the nighttime, with an ongoing weekly impoundment rate of 200 to 400 motorcycles.

Furthermore, Bello hinted at the possibility of apprehending residents who patronize motorcycles as part of a stricter enforcement strategy. He urged residents to avoid relying on motorcycles for short distances, emphasizing the importance of their safety.

Lastly, the director advised individuals investing in the commercial motorcycle business to reconsider their choices, as the FCTA was committed to using its resources to curb their activities. (NAN)