Confusion In Borno As Tinubu Unveils 3,000 Electric Bikes Despite Ban

Residents of Borno State have been left confused after President Bola Tinubu commissioned 3,000 electric bikes, despite an existing ban on the use of motorcycles across the state.

The President, during a state visit on Saturday, commissioned electric vehicles comprising 3,000 bikes, 500 tricycles, 100 cars and 20 42-seater buses.

Speaking during the unveiling, President Tinubu commended the Borno state governor, Babagana Zulum and the people of the state, saying the initiative would benefit the citizens in mobility and convenience, especially in rural communities.

He said, “The electric vehicles, the tricycles, the charging terminals in their thousands ease the problems of mobility and transportation economy,” he said.

It could be recalled that on the 25th of July, 2024, the Borno state police command reiterated the ban on the use of motorcycles, including Electric or petrol-powered bikes, warning that anyone found in its procession will be arrested for violating the order.

The statement, released by the Spokesperson for the Command, ASP Nahum Daso, said the decision was taken at the Borno State Security Council based on the security challenges in the state.

The statement reads in part, “The Command has observed the flagrant use of motorcycles, especially electric bikes, in the State, and wishes to remind the general public that the ban on motorcycles in the state still subsists.

“The decision was taken at the Borno State Security Council based on the security challenges in the state.

Daso advised members of the public to adhere to the order, saying, “Any person found in possession of Electric or petrol-powered motorbikes will be arrested for violating the order.

“Filling stations are equally warned to desist from selling petrol products to customers on motorcycles. Any filling station found selling petrol to motorcyclists will be sanctioned and sealed for prosecution,” it added.

When contacted on Monday, the police spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, said the ban has not been lifted and that police are still enforcing it.