There is an alarming rate of motorcycle snatching in Osun State, findings by OSUN DEFENDER have revealed. 

Commercial motorcyclists known as Okada riders are major victims of bike snatching, which has become a daily occurrence in the state. 

Some of the commercial motorcyclists have been killed while others were severely injured by the criminals in an attempt to snatch their motorcycles.

Findings revealed that the criminals behind the heinous act usually lure their victims (commercial motorcyclists) to isolated areas late at night or sometimes offer huge amounts to entice the victims to take them to where they will perpetrate the crime.

Though no part of the state is free from the menace, it is prevalent in Ikirun, Osogbo, Ilesa, and Ile-Ife among other major cities in the state.

Speaking on the trend, the Osun State Police Command warned motorcyclists, especially the commercial ones to be cautious of passenger(s) they carry or employ their services.

According to the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Umar Abba, in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Mrs. Yemisi Opalola, there is a disturbing trend of motorcycle snatching crimes in recent times in the state.

Abba enjoined the leadership of the Okada Riders Association in Osun to continually sensitise their members in other to avoid being victims of the trending crime.

The statement reads: “The Osun State Police Command is using this medium to caution motorcyclists especially the commercial ones (Okada) to be cautious of passenger(s) they carry or employ their services.

“This becomes imperative as the Police Command has noticed a disturbing trend of bike/motorcycle (okada) snatching crimes in recent times. 

“The modus operandi of the criminals involves hailing commercial motorcyclists and luring them to isolated areas late at night, sometimes offering bogus/enticing prices to the said motorcyclists to lure them to inconspicuous and isolated areas where they, (cyclists) will be attacked and their bikes snatched. In some cases, the motorcyclists have been severely injured or even killed.

“The Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Umar Abba, enjoined the leadership of Okada Riders Association in the State to continually lecture/sensitise their members in other to avoid being victims of this trending crime.

“The Command also advises them to report any suspicious passenger(s) and their activities to the nearest police station.

“The CP is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors of Osun State as the Police Command is working tirelessly to apprehend and prosecute those involved in these heinous crimes.”