Bayelsa Governor, Douye Diri, has issued a directive imposing an 11-hour restriction on commercial tricycles in Yenagoa and its environs.
Bellnewsonline.com reports that the restriction, which is between 7 pm and 6 am daily, comes after a violent clash on Wednesday between youths of the Yenizue-Epie community in Yenagoa and tricycle operators, which resulted in the loss of five lives.
During a meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, attended by traditional rulers, tricycle operators’ leadership, representatives of the Arewa community in the state, youths of the Yenizue-Epie community, and other stakeholders, Governor Diri emphasized the need to calm frayed nerves and restore peace in the area.
The governor cautioned against reprisals and stressed that the government would not condone any form of lawlessness.
According to him, the order will remain in place until the situation improves. He also urged community leaders to advise their subjects, particularly youths, to abide by the laws of the state.
Diri emphasized that all hands must be on deck to sustain the peace in Bayelsa, and he called for calm among residents.
He stated: “I hereby impose a restriction on all Keke (commercial tricycle) riders from 7pm to 6am. They are therefore expected to operate only in the day time until the situation improved.
“Government will not accept any lawless behavior from anybody. Our laws have not given anybody the right to carry weapons.
“I thank the security agencies and critical stakeholders that have worked hard with us since yesterday to curtail the situation.”