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The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, has summoned leaders of the Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association (COMTOA) over growing concerns about the alleged use of commercial tricycles in kidnapping activities within the Delta State capital.
The meeting, held on Tuesday at the Asagba’s Palace, brought together executives of the association, task force officials and palace chiefs to deliberate on measures aimed at addressing the security challenge and restoring public confidence in the transport sector.
Speaking during the engagement, the traditional ruler expressed deep concern over reports linking some tricycle operators to recent abduction cases, describing the development as a serious threat to the safety and wellbeing of residents.
Azinge stressed that maintaining peace and security in Asaba remained a priority of the traditional institution, warning that activities capable of undermining law and order would not be tolerated. He noted that the city’s reputation as a peaceful and investment-friendly destination must be protected from criminal elements.
The monarch urged COMTOA leadership to strengthen internal monitoring mechanisms and ensure stricter supervision of operators to prevent criminal infiltration of the transport system. He also questioned the effectiveness of existing regulations governing tricycle operations in the city.
He highlighted the need for comprehensive profiling of tricycle owners and riders, as well as stricter enforcement of approved routes and operational guidelines, insisting that these measures were essential for improving security.
Azinge warned that the association would be held responsible if future kidnapping incidents were traced to commercial tricycles, stressing the need for immediate and practical solutions to the problem.
He, however, assured the operators of the palace’s support in promoting a safe and secure transportation system that serves the interests of residents and visitors alike.
Responding on behalf of COMTOA, the Director-General of the association’s task force, Chief Uchenna Okafor, said several safeguards had already been introduced to monitor operators and curb criminal activities.
According to him, tricycle owners, riders and their guarantors are profiled through the state Ministry of Transport, while regular patrols and compliance checks are carried out across the city.
Okafor assured the monarch that surveillance and enforcement efforts would be intensified to ensure that no operator uses the tricycle business as a cover for kidnapping or other criminal acts.
Participants at the meeting also called on commuters to be security conscious by verifying the official identification codes displayed on tricycles before boarding.
They further advised passengers to share or record the registration numbers of tricycles with family members or friends as a precautionary measure that could assist investigations in the event of any security incident.
The meeting ended with both the traditional institution and transport operators reaffirming their commitment to working together to enhance public safety and preserve the peace and stability of Asaba.
