The Abia State Government has ordered tricycle operators to stop using the Umuahia–Obowo–Owerri route for passenger transportation.

The government also directed the immediate suspension of tricycle operations from Umuahia to Ohafia and Arochukwu, warning that any operator who violates the directive would be arrested.

The Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, disclosed this in a statement, explaining that the measure was introduced to promote sanity, order and safety on the state’s roads.

Ukaegbu warned that tricycle operators found contravening the directive would be arrested, while their vehicles would also be impounded.

The government urged all affected operators, popularly known as Keke NAPEP, as well as members of the public, to comply with the directive.

However, amid concerns and panic among tricycle operators in Umuahia, the commissioner clarified that the government had not imposed a total ban on tricycles across Abia State.

According to him, the restriction is specifically targeted at long-distance passenger transportation.

“Keke (tricycle) operators are not banned from operating in Abia State.

“The restriction only applies to the use of tricycles for long-distance passenger transportation to destinations such as Owerri, Obowo, Mbaise, and Arochukwu,” Ukaegbu said.