The Concerned Taraba Youths Forum, in an open letter, are demanding the immediate release of some 50 young people detained for using their motorbikes in violation of a new rule issued by Governor Danbaba Suntai .
The Concerned Taraba Youths Forum, in an open letter, are demanding the immediate release of some 50 young people detained for using their motorbikes in violation of a new rule issued by Governor Danbaba Suntai .
“The molestation and continued detention of these helpless youths by security agencies amounts to gross violation of our fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the 1999 constitution,” the group stated in their letter.
“We are against the ban which has brought untold hardship on the residents and economy of the state since the Motorcycle is the only visible means of transportations in the absence of good roads networks in the state capital.
Last month, Taraba State Governor Suntai ordered the arrest of motorcycle operators in the state capital, Jalingo, in the aftermath of recent security challenges.
The arrest order covers both commercial and private operators. The development followed the twin incidents of bomb blasts in the state capital.
The first explosion occurred on April 30, when a bomber rode on a motorcycle and forced his way into the convoy of the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mamman Sule.
No fewer than 11 persons were killed in that early morning suicide bombing, which appeared to be targeted at the newly redeployed police chief. Twenty persons were seriously injured, including Police Corporal Usman Suleiman who was the outrider on the commissioner’s convoy.
Another blast occurred on May 11. Although, there were no casualties, the panic paralyzed the social life of the once peaceful people.
In the second blast, two suspected bombers reportedly drove past a police van before dropping the explosive, which was carefully packaged in what looked like a fertilizer bag.
The arrest of motorcycles in Jalingo has paralyzed the socio-economic life of the comparatively bucolic capital city. Some family heads survive via commercial motorcycling. With the ban and arrest of motorbikes, they can no longer make ends meet.
Roadside mechanics, who survive through the repair of motorcycles, have deserted their work sites, just like motorcycles spare parts dealers. School children have been trekking long distances to attend classes and return home. The situation is not different with the civil servants, who do not yet own a car.
Business outlets in the town, particularly at night, are no longer patronised. Companies that specialised in the sale of motorcycles have been shut down.
The youths' open letter concludes with a warning: "If the government fails to yield to our demands within the period of 14 days, we will mobilize youths to peacefully take over the streets and explore every lawful means available to drive home our demands."
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