By Joan Nwagwu
The Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN), has condemned brutal killing of a member of the union, by unknown gunmen in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state capital.
Mr Sotayo Rasak, the National President of MOUN, said this in a statement issued to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.
Rasak, who strongly condemned the killing said the victim, was a ticket issuer to commercial motorcyclists around Okesa roundabout area of the state was shot dead by the gunmen on Tuesday.
The national president described the incident as “brutal and senseless” and called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to investigate the matter thoroughly.
He also urged the Federal Government to ensure that justice is served on the incident, while demanding that the perpetrators be brought to book and ensure the safety of motorcycle operators across the country.
“The incident has sparked outrage among motorcycle operators in Ekiti state, as well as members of our union. We are demanding justice for our slain colleague,”he said..
Rasak added that such killing of the commercial motorcycle riders is recurring in the country,.
He therefore expressed concern that people may shun the business of motorcycle riding as a result.
According to him, duch development may affect the nation’s economy negatively.
“We are calling on the Inspector General of Police and the federal government to swiftly swing into action by carrying out an investigation on this issue.
“The perpetrators of this heinous act must not go unpunished.
“The killing of okada riders in different parts of the country is rampant, and the government should investigate it.
“These riders have families to cater for, and killing them is putting their families in serious agony,”he said.
He said that the lives of the motorcycle riders matter and they must be treated with honor and respect.
The president also commiserated with the family of the deceased and promised that the union would support them in this difficult time.