Governor Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State has signed the law banning the operation of commercial motorcycles in Kaduna metropolis and some other major towns in the state North-West Nigeria.

Briefing newsmen yesterday after the weekly Security Council Meeting, the state Commissioner of Information, Mr. Ben Bako, said the ban is aimed at reinforcing security in the state.

Bako explained that the ban followed the influx of commercial motorcyclists (locally known as okada or achaba) in the state, following their ban in some neighbouring states like Plateau, Niger, Kano and the FCT.

The Commissioner listed the areas affected by the ban to include Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Chikun, Igabi, Zaria, Jema’a, Sabon Gari and Birnin Gwari local government areas.

He said the ban will take effect from May 21, warning that any person caught operating a commercial motorcycle would face three months’ imprisonment with an option of N10,000 fine.

He therefore advised all commercial motorcycle operators to desist from any commercial activities with motorcycles on or before the deadline saying that defaults would face the full wrought of the law.

The commissioner also reiterated the commitment of the state government towards addressing security, health and other relevant issues that affects public lives.

•Photo shows Governor Yero.