To stop them from enforcing the prohibition on commercial motorcycle riders, the guys with weapons and arrows attacked the taskforce team near Sabo Lugbe, along the international Airport Road, on Thursday, September 15.
The suspects are also accused of using pistols and arrows to hinder the task force's operations last week, stopping the team from seizing motorcycles and detaining their riders for breaking the rules of the route.
They once more mobilised with guns on Thursday, but were quickly dispersed by a well-armed Joint Task Force of the Police, Army, and other security agencies. They took two locally made guns from the hunters and impounded 72 motorcycles as a result.
Ikharo Attah, the FCT Minister's Senior Special Assistant on Monitoring, Inspection, and Enforcement, said it was concerning that those who had been given permission by the government to aid security forces in the battle against insecurity had turned into roadblocks for law enforcement.
According to Attah, the suspects had no luck as security personnel outnumbered them and overpowered them when they threatened the task force with gunfire.
He was sorry that the situation occurred as the group made sacrifices to realise the vision of Abuja as a model city.
"We received a firm order from the Minister of the FCT to remove "Okada" from the Airport Road, some areas of Area 1, and Kubwa. Although we in the enforcement had long called for an expanded prohibition, the Minister required that we first explain why we should be allowed to lift the restrictions. That is the reason we are here today. We have already discussed Area 1," he stated.
"Last week, some males who came here claiming to be registered hunters attacked the team from the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS). No one will carry an Okada close to where they are operating, the men insisted. All of the arrested Okada riders were released.
The same individuals promptly mobilised today and opened fire on our crew, adamant that no Okada would be apprehended from that location. Thanks to the bravery of the security guards who managed to overcome them.
"The hunters turned in these two firearms. We were really concerned since authorised hunters and vigilante organisations are supposed to collaborate closely with law enforcement and other security organisations. If they want to prevent us from carrying out our duties, they need to inform the police commissioner, according to Attah.
Also appearing, Deborah Osho, Head of Operations for DRTS, said that 72 motorcycles had been seized and that a court forfeiture order would be sought before crushing them.
"The operation is still ongoing, and we have roughly 72 bikes impounded. The bike will be brought to our Wuye office, where we will ask the court for a forfeiture order before the crushing happens, she continued.
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