VIO Impounds 70 Tricycles, popularly known as Keke NAPEP

VIO Impounds 70 Tricycles, popularly known as Keke NAPEP, have been impounded by the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) in Kaduna State for various traffic offences.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the arrest was made within four days after the ban on commercial motorcyclists, also known as Okada, came into effect in parts of the state on May 21.

The Public Relations Officer of the unit, Malam Buhari Aliyu told NAN on Monday in Kaduna that the arrest was made between May 22 and May 25 in a special operation by the office.

Aliyu said the exercise was conducted to sanitise the operation of the tricyclists, adding that it would continue until all tricycles plying roads across the state have valid documents.

According to him, those arrested include 50 without official colour of the state and 20 with fake number plates.

The spokesman said “every tricycles must have the official paint of the state before it is worthy to use our roads”.

Aliyu explained that the ban placed on “Okada” operations by the state was attracting tricycle operators from other states as such it was imperative to regulate their operation.

He said the tricycles must have the state’s colour of Yellow and Green, and its operators must respect road traffic rules and regulations.

Aliyu also advised the tricycle operators to obtain local registration identities or marks for security reasons.

NAN also reports that section 79 (1) (2) (3) of the Road Traffic Regulation of the Federation, 1975, states that anyone using road must have valid documents before putting the vehicle on road.

The spokesman said the enforcement was also designed to enhance the internal revenue base of the state, and for the security and well being of citizens.

Aliyu advised those wishing to operate tricycle business in the state to also register with local unions for proper documentation, and to shun touts while processing their particulars to avoid fraudsters. (NAN)