The Akwa Ibom State Government has banned the use of motorcycles in Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency to curtail criminal activities.

The government said the ban will be from 6pm to 7am daily till further notice and would cover the Federal Constituency made up of Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim and Obot Akara local government areas.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, stated on Friday in Uyo that criminals have taken advantage of the tricycles and motorcycles to escape after engaging in criminal activities.

“The Government of Akwa Ibom State has observed in recent times, an increase in the frequency of criminal activities in Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency.

“These criminal activities have led to the loss of lives of innocent citizens and security personnel as well as arms and ammunition. Perpetrators of these dastardly acts use mainly motor cycles and tricycles to commit these dastardly acts and to escape.

“In keeping with its core mandate of protecting the lives and property of our citizens and security personnel, His Excellency the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has directed an immediate ban to be placed on the operations of motor cycles and tricycles in Ikot Ekpene federal constituency, from the hours of 6pm to 7am daily, with effect from Friday 26 March 2021,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Police Commissioner, Amiengheme Andrew, has promised to enforce the restrictions as directed by government.

“We will enforce the State Government’s restriction order on the use of motorcycles and tricycles in Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency between the hours of 7pm and 6am daily henceforth,” he said. (Daily Trust)