Insecurity: Makinde Signs Executive Order, Restricts Night Operation For Commercial Motorcyclists

Amid heightened security concerns, Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday signed an executive order aimed at strengthening security, enforcing vehicle registration regulations and improving traffic management across the state.

The executive order No. 002 of 2026 came as another wave of grief swept across Oyo State on Friday following reports that one of the schoolchildren abducted by kidnappers, identified as Ahoro Esinele, has reportedly died while in captivity.

However, the information has not been officially confirmed by the Nigeria Police Force or major mainstream media organizations.

The report has been widely circulated on social media and has generated significant public concern and emotional reactions.

As part of the new measures, the governor announced a statewide restriction on the operations of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.

The development comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of the state, particularly the continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area more than 20 days ago.

Speaking during the signing ceremony held at his office in Ibadan, Makinde said the executive order was designed to ensure strict compliance with existing laws governing vehicle registration and traffic regulations.

According to him, unregistered vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles have increasingly been used to perpetrate criminal activities, making it difficult for security agencies to track suspects and conduct investigations.

He explained that the order provides a legal framework for stricter enforcement of vehicle registration requirements and traffic laws, including sanctions against driving against traffic and related offences.

Makinde said designated enforcement authorities had been empowered to arrest offenders and impound vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles found to be in violation of the order.

He added that offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, while seized assets would be handled through established legal procedures.