Sankera: Operation whirl stroke hands over 78 impounded motorcycles to Benue govt

Benue State Government has taken delivery of 78 impounded motorcycles from the Sankera geopolitical axis, courtesy Operation Whirl Stroke led by Major General Adeyemi Yekini.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Col. Paul Hemba who briefed journalists today in his office said the motorcycles were impounded from violators of the ban on movement of motorcycles in Sankera.

He stated that arrests had also been made and that bandits and criminal elements operating in the area were being trailed to their hideouts by security agents, stressing that government is determined to restore peace in the area.

Col. Hemba noted that the ban was a decision of the State Security Council which is part of efforts by the Governor Ortom-led administration to curtail banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities in parts of the state.

According to him, bandits, kidnappers and armed robbers now use motorcycles to carry out their nefarious activities, pointing out that it becomes very difficult for securityagents to trail and arrest them through bush paths.

Col. Hemba stated that although there are isolated cases of burning of motorcycles, the ban is effective and had grossly affected the bandits, resorting to propaganda against Operation Whirl Stroke to make it look as if all impounded bikes have been burnt.

He stated that traditional rulers from Sankera had already made a case to the Governor to consider exempting motorcycles used by mostly women in the area as the bandits use Bajaj to carry out their nefarious activities.