By Peter Okore, Umuahia
The Abia State Government has appealed to residents, transport operators, community leaders and the general public to cooperate with authorities as it begins the enforcement of its policy restricting commercial motorcycle operations to designated areas in Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia.
The government also announced the establishment of a toll-free public complaints platform to enable residents report cases of misconduct, extortion, abuse or any other infractions by security agencies and task force personnel involved in enforcing the policy.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday at the Government House, Umuahia.
He thanked residents for their understanding and support since the restrictions were announced, stressing that public safety remained the government’s overriding priority.
“No economic or political consideration can outweigh the value of human life. We will continue to ensure that Abians and all residents live, work and move freely in a safe and secure environment across the state,” Kanu said.
He recalled that enforcement of the policy was originally scheduled to commence on June 22, 2026, but was postponed by one week to allow affected operators sufficient time to comply with the new regulations.
According to him, the extension reflected the administration’s concern for the welfare of those who depend on commercial motorcycle operations for their livelihood.
“The government recognises that thousands of hardworking citizens rely on motorcycle transportation for their daily income and movement. It was in appreciation of these concerns that the commencement date was shifted to enable operators make the necessary adjustments and comply with the new regulatory requirements,” he said.
Kanu reiterated that the penalty for violating the restriction remains ₦20,000.
He explained that any impounded motorcycle would only be released after the owner fulfils all registration, documentation, verification and other statutory requirements.
The commissioner added that privately owned motorcycles would continue to enjoy unrestricted movement, provided they are properly registered and documented, but warned that they must not be used for commercial passenger services.
He further stated that all commercial motorcycle operators would only be permitted to operate within approved jurisdictions and must wear officially approved identification vests issued by the state government.
He also directed that all motorcycles, tricycles and commercial vehicles operating in the state must be duly registered and properly documented in line with government regulations.
On infrastructure development, Kanu said the Ministry of Works had continued to intensify road construction and maintenance projects across the state.
He disclosed that between June 16 and June 29, direct labour works were carried out at 14 locations, with five projects completed and one new project added to the ministry’s maintenance schedule.
The completed projects include the 1.19-kilometre Obikabia–Umueleke Road Phase One in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area; the 550-metre Uzoma–Ohokobe–Afara–Ohokobe Road to Polygon Junction off Aba Road; Chief Nkoro Street to Agbala Road in Aba; rainy season maintenance on Ojari Road in Arochukwu; and desilting works along Faulks Road in Aba.
Kanu also announced the commencement of the Green Avenue Square project in Aba through direct labour, while revealing that 24 road projects are currently under contract across the state.
“The state government, through the Ministry of Works, continues to expand road construction and infrastructure development, with visible progress being recorded across Abia,” he said.
Speaking on the reported abduction of two schoolchildren allegedly lured into a tricycle by an unidentified operator at Umuosu Nsulu, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah, said the government had launched intensive efforts to rescue the victims.
He described the incident as a suspected case of child trafficking.
“We are deeply concerned about the incident. Five pupils boarded a tricycle after school, and three were asked to get fuel while the remaining two were allegedly abducted. This is clearly a case of suspected child trafficking,” Ubah said.
He disclosed that security agencies had initially acted on intelligence that led them to a location in Ngo-Okpala, Imo State, but the information later proved to be false.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police in Abia State has already established contact with his counterparts in neighbouring states as efforts continue to locate and rescue the missing children.