The movement of motorbikes, or okadas, within the Etsako West Local Government Area between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. has been prohibited by the local authorities.
Additionally, Mr. Paul Uhomesili, the acting chairman of the Esan North-East Local Government Area, declared that all scrap metal dealer operations in the Uzea and Uromi towns would be immediately suspended. The outbreak of instability in the districts spurred the two local governments to take action.
According to a statement dated April 17, 2025, from the secretary to the Etsako West Local Government, Hon. Zikanene Momodu Oyakhamoh, the acting chairman of the council, Hon. Valentine Okwilague, stated that the restriction is meant to reduce criminal activity and enhance the area’s overall security architecture.
Oyakhamoh, who said the decision was in response to the growing insecurity concerns across the locality, noted that it was aimed at enhancing the safety and well-being of residents.
“This move follows a broader trend across several local government areas in Edo State and beyond, where motorcycle restrictions have been adopted as a strategy to reduce incidents of crime and improve night-time security.”
“Residents and all concerned parties are expected to comply with the directive and cooperate fully with law enforcement agents assigned to enforce it.”
“Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, DSS, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, have been notified and are expected to begin enforcement immediately,” he said.
In a statement released by his chief press secretary, Oriwoh Henry, on April 15, 2025, Mr. Paul Uhomesili, the acting chairman of the Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, announced the immediate suspension of all scrap metal dealer activities in the Uromi and Uzea communities.
The statement warned that anyone found scavenging for scrap metals starting on April 22, 2025, would be deemed to be acting illegally.
According to Uhomesili, the decision was made in response to growing concerns from locals who claimed that many of the dealers were engaged in illegal activities like theft and vandalism.
“Residents have accused scrap metal dealers of not only scavenging from refuse heaps for electric cables, disused plastics, and metals but also breaking into homes and public facilities to vandalise properties in search of metal materials.”
“The decision to suspend the activities of scrap dealers in the locality has become necessary due to reports of vandalism of both government, public and individuals’ cables, wires, and properties and persistent harassment and nuisance caused by the activities of the scrap metal dealers,” he said.
In addition, the acting chairman instructed everyone currently engaged in the scrap metal trade to come to the local government council office so they could be properly identified and profiled.
