The Plateau State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Jatau Davou Gyang, has restated the government’s commitment to enforcing the ban on motorcycles within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis, emphasizing that the move is based purely on security and public safety concerns.
Speaking to the Press at the Operation Rainbow Headquarters in Jos, the Commissioner explained that the restriction on motorcycles is not a recent decision. The law has been in place for decades as part of the Greater Jos Master Plan, following a rise in criminal activities facilitated by motorcycles.
“Most of the heinous crimes committed were aided by motorcycles,” he said, adding that criminals often used bikes to carry out attacks and escape without trace.
He clarified that the government is not attacking the means of livelihood for riders, but is acting to protect the public from unlawful acts and increasing road-related injuries. “You must not turn illegal activity into a source of livelihood,” he stated.
According to Hon. Davou, over 100 motorcycles have already been seized and impounded. He stressed that the ban is permanent unless repealed by the Plateau State House of Assembly. He noted that only private riders with proper safety kits are allowed, while commercial motorcycles remain banned.
He also addressed concerns about alternatives for residents and riders. Davou said the government has provided safer options like tricycles and metro buses, and continues to empower youths through programs such as the Plateau Youth Agricultural Empowerment Programme (PLA-YEAP).
“Youths were never left stranded; they were attached to meaningful ventures like agriculture and public transport,” he said, urging the public to stop misinterpreting the law’s intent.
“What is being criminalised is not survival but lawlessness,” he maintained. He assured that exemptions exist for couriers and security agents, but any misuse will be sanctioned under the law.
Brig. Gen. Gagji Goshwe Shipi, Senior Special Adviser on Security and Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, said motorcycles belonging to confirmed security operatives with complete safety kits and valid proof of ownership are being released. About 43 have been returned, while others remain under legal review.
“You know human beings, we don’t like change. So when there’s a change you expect there will be some resistance but we’ve been able to handle them carefully,” he said.
Shipi appealed to journalists to help discourage crime as a source of income and to enlighten youths on better opportunities. He highlighted the government’s support of farming through the revived BARC Farms, where young people are offered land, tools, seedlings, and a ready market for their produce.
Arc. Hart Bankat, General Manager of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB), linked the enforcement to broader urban reforms. He said the positive momentum has allowed for the implementation of more people-oriented projects aimed at improving city life.
“There is nothing that is going to happen that will not better the lives of our people and there is nothing that is going to happen that will not better the city for all of us to enjoy,” he said.
Bankat added that even tricycles will soon operate on designated routes. He linked the current clearances to the successful launch of Metro City buses, which now serve major transport corridors across Jos, enhancing accessibility and safety for all residents.
