Bwari: Commercial motorcyclists in Bwari Area Council, FCT, have decried rising cases of motorcycle theft in communities across the area. The motorcyclists expressed their concerns in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Bwari, Abuja. The riders called on security agencies to implement stronger security measures to curb the menace. They also decried the frequent seizure of motorcycles by government officials over alleged revenue defaults and parking violations.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the riders said the situation was adversely affecting their livelihoods, especially those who depend on commercial motorcycle operations as their major source of income. One of the riders, Mallam Musa Ibrahim, said motorcycle theft had become a major concern among riders, as losing a motorcycle could destroy their means of survival. He highlighted the insecurity in the North, which had driven him to seek a better livelihood in Bwari, only to face the threat of theft. Ibrahim reported that over 15 riders had lost their motorcycles in the past two weeks, with some being attacked and even killed.
He urged security agencies and community leaders to intensify surveillance and patrols, especially around residential areas and places where motorcycles are commonly parked overnight. Another commercial rider, Mr. Salisu Sanusi, echoed these concerns, noting that while the business was profitable, it was fraught with challenges. He pointed out that robbery attacks were not the only issue, as government officials often seized motorcycles over minor infractions, affecting riders’ income and family obligations.
Sanusi appealed for designated motorcycle parks and loading points to reduce conflicts with enforcement officials and discourage indiscriminate parking. He also suggested affordable revenue rates, flexible payment options, and clearer identification of authorised revenue collectors to prevent exploitation. Mr. Bello Mohammed, another motorcyclist, called for government-supported loans or credit facilities to help riders purchase motorcycles and safety equipment. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach to enforcement that considers the livelihoods of residents who rely on motorcycles.
Mohammed urged commercial riders to comply with regulations and called for transparent collaboration among government, security agencies, community leaders, and motorcycle associations to reduce theft and improve transportation. He stressed the importance of differentiating between genuine and problematic riders to create a more organized transport system in Bwari.