The Chairman of Gboko Local Government Council, Barr. Torseer Yina, has suspended the executive members of the Benue Motorcycle Hirers Association (BEMOA), Gboko branch, with immediate effect.
Barr. Yina also imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Gboko Local Government Area, effective Thursday, October 8, 2026, following unrest and violent protests by some BEMOA members over the killing of one of their members by unknown gunmen.
According to a statement signed by the Secretary of the Gboko Local Government Security Council, Vincent Nev, the protest was allegedly hijacked by hoodlums who set ablaze two vehicles belonging to the Benue State Civil Protection Guards.
Explaining the decision, the Chairman said, “The curfew is imposed to contain the unrest and restore peace in the local government.”
He warned that anyone caught violating the curfew or breaching public peace would be “decisively dealt with,” stressing that the council would not tolerate actions capable of further threatening the safety of residents.
The council, however, said the restriction does not apply to the movement of persons and vehicles engaged in essential services.
Meanwhile, it is alleged that this is not the first time the Motorcycle Hirers’ Union has protested over the killing of its members and snatching of motorbikes.
Onlookers said they protested over the same issue last year, when the council Chairman, Barr. Torseer Yina, in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, promised to put the matter to rest, but to no avail.
It remains to be seen whether a lasting solution will be provided to the calamity that has befallen the popular Okada riders in Gboko and its environs.
