From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has disclosed that he was not consulted by the state Commissioner of Police (CP), Bello Yahaya, before the recent restriction on motorcycle movement was imposed, but emphasised that he would not interfere with the security measure.
“The Commissioner of Police did not consult me about his plans for the restriction. I have heard your complaints about it, even if I call him in response to your cries, I will not ask him to lift the restriction, I would rather tell him to look and do what is right at the right time,” the governor stated during the flag-off ceremony for the sale and distribution of fertilisers for the 2025 cropping season held on Thursday in Gombe.
Governor Yahaya’s remarks come amid growing complaints from residents over the directive restricting motorcycle operations from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. across Gombe, the state capital.
He explained that while the measure was not initiated by the state government, it aligns with the broader need to safeguard public safety and maintain peace, especially in view of rising insecurity, thuggery, phone and motorcycle snatching, as well as indiscriminate killings in Gombe and other surrounding communities.
“We all know states around us that have completely banned motorcycles. We’ve not taken that path in Gombe. We all need to make sacrifices for the well-being and development of our state,” he noted.
The governor revealed that over 1,000 motorcycles had already been seized by security operatives since the implementation of the restriction, adding that more than 90 percent of the impounded motorcycles were not registered or had no licence plates.
He affirmed his support for any action aimed at combating criminality and protecting lives. “I support any action against terrorists and indiscriminate killings. If a parent comes to bail out a thug arrested by security agents, that parent should be arrested as well,” the governor declared.
He urged the people of Gombe to exercise patience and join hands in preserving the state’s relative peace. He said, “It is said that Gombe is the most peaceful state. Let us not allow the peace we’ve built to be destroyed. We are the only ones who can repair and protect our society.”
The motorcycle restriction, which was announced by the state police command on June 11, 2025, remains in effect. The restrictions, implemented to curb rising crime rates and address security concerns, particularly the use of motorcycles in criminal activities, include a ban on carrying more than one passenger on Okada, a ban on the use of truck-type horns on motorcycles, as well as bearing of dangerous weapons in public places.
While the police intensify operations to implement the restrictions and maintain law and order across the state, some residents have kicked against the measure, stating that it is too harsh on law-abiding citizens, who now have to close shops and businesses earlier than usual.
“I run a suya (meat) joint, and this restriction has practically crippled my business,” Da Hajiya Mai Nama lamented. He said, “I usually make most of my sales between 7pm and 10pm, but now I’m forced to shut down before 7pm, just when business should be picking up. If I don’t close early, I’ll have to trek home, which is not only risky but also unsafe, especially while carrying my sales proceeds.
“Many of our customers come on motorcycles after parking their cars at home, but with this ban, patronage has dropped significantly. I believe the government should revisit this decision. We support any measure that ensures public safety, but not one that stifles businesses and drives away investment,” Dan Hajiya told The Sun.