By IMELDA OSAYANDE

The Edo Government has expressed concerns over rising cases of robbery, involving commercial motorcycle riders, popularly called Okada, announcing plans to constitute a taskforce to address the menace.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, disclosed this on Thursday at a news conference in Benin.

Afegbua said the government has received reports of criminal elements using motorcycles for robbery against unsuspecting passengers.

“The criminals use motorcycles carry their passengers and take them to dark spots. Before you say jack, they bring out knives and all that, and dispossess passengers of their belongings,” he said.

The commissioner urged the media to help sensitise residents on the development.

He added that a taskforce would soon be inaugurated to check the abuse in the sector.

“Please, help us sing this song. We will catch you when you are not supposed to be riding in the name of Okada. There is going to be a taskforce on that,” Afegbua stated.

The commissioner said he was part of a committee set up with the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, to regulate Okada operations and improve security across the state.

On political matters, Afegbua defended the governor’s participation in campaigning for an APC candidate in the Osun governorship election, describing it as a demonstration of party solidarity.

The commissioner also reacted to recent comments by musician, Davido, regarding politics and foreign intervention, urging public figures to “know where to draw the line.”

He further dismissed allegations questioning Okpebholo’s academic credentials, describing them as “fake and nonsense.”

He said he had seen the governor’s authentic WAEC, university degree and master’s degree certificates. (NAN)