The Osun State Police Command has alerted commercial motorcyclists to be wary of criminals posing as passengers to rob them of their motorcycles.

The warning, issued on Monday in Osogbo by the command’s spokesperson, SP Yemisi Opalola, comes in response to an increase in reported cases of motorcycle snatching in the state.

“The police command is using this medium to caution motorcyclists, especially commercial ones (Okada), to be cautious of the passengers they carry or who employ their services,” Opalola stated.

She explained that the criminals typically hail commercial motorcyclists and lure them to isolated areas late at night, where they are forcefully dispossessed of their motorbikes. The unsuspecting riders are often offered enticing fares that they cannot refuse. 

These attacks have, in some cases, left motorcyclists severely injured or even killed.

Opalola added that CP Mohammed Abba has urged the leadership of the Okada Riders Association in the state to continually sensitize its members to avoid becoming victims of this crime trend. 

She advised reporting any suspicious passengers or activities to the nearest police station.

She further emphasized the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors to the state and assured that they are working tirelessly to apprehend and prosecute those involved in these crimes.