Curfew for Okada, Keke, not Pedestrians, Private Cars, Soludo Clarifies

Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has clarified that the curfew imposed on eight local government areas of the state are only for motorcycles, popularly know as okada and tricycles, which are also known as Keke.

The clarification is coming on the heels of allegation of mass arrest in the affected areas by security agencies, who simply take everyone found outside after 6pm into custody.

Soludo who made the clarification through his Chief Press Secretary said, “The curfew in the state does not affect human movement but mainly three classes of vehicles in eight local government areas.

“The local government areas include; Aguata, Ihiala, Ekwusigo, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Ogbaru, Orumba North.

“The curfew prohibits motorcycles (okada), tricycles (keke), and shuttle buses from operating in the local government areas from 6pm to 6am till further notice.

“However, until the Monday Sit-at-home completely stops, motorcycles, keke and shuttle buses are banned from operating in these eight local government areas.”

He charged youths of every community in the affected council areas to assist the security agencies to implement the government policy, saying that they are mandated to seize any such motorcycle or tricycle on the spot.

“Local vigilantes have also been authorised to report such motorcycles, tricycles (keke) or shuttle buses immediately, and they will be confiscated by government and the owner prosecuted.

“In the same vein, okada, keke, and shuttle bus union leaders are to take responsibility to report their members who are involved in any criminal activities.”

The governor called on security agents to desist from unlawful arrest of Anambra people or residents who are on lawful engagements.

“They are not to be intimidated or molested by security agents but are advised to be conscious of their security and report or forward information about suspicious activities around them or their communities.”