The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Hon Gbara Edman Erelo, has restricted the operation of motorcycle operators popularly called okada in the LGA following the rising cases of insecurity in the area.

A statement signed by Hon. Erelo and circulated to newsmen on Thursday, said the restriction of the okada movement would be from the hours of 7pm in the evening to 6am the following morning daily with effect from Thursday, June 23, 2016 until security in the area improves.

The chairman noted that the council would not fold its hands and watch those he called agents of darkness continue to harass residents and visitors in Khana Local Government Area, adding that security operatives have been detailed to ensure the enforcement of the restriction order.

The Khana CTC boss however charged the okada operators to go about their normal and legitimate businesses but ensure that they are not seen on the roads at the prescribed hours of the restriction order.

Hon. Erelo assured the okada operators as well as the general public of his determination to secure their lives and properties and warned that violators of the okada restriction order would be decisively dealt with, in accordance with the law.

He further reassured the people that the order is not intended to witch-hunt anyone but to restore peace and security in Khana and called for the cooperation of everyone in his quest to restore security of lives and property in the area.

•Photo shows a cross section of okada riders.