Concerns mount over rising cases of motorcycle theft in Kwara community

By Sambo Yusuf

Residents of Adualere community in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State have expressed concern over the rising incidence of motorcycle theft in the area.

Some residents who spoke with our correspondent said no fewer than four commercial motorcycles were stolen within one month, adding that these developments had turned the place into a dark spot of late.

For the residents, being security conscious is no longer a call for caution but now a way of life.

One of the victims, Taiwo Murtado – a teacher – told our correspondent how his motorcycle was picked up from where he parked it.

He said, “I usually park my new motorcycle on the balcony, fenced with Iron Gate. The gate was secured with a big padlock. On the day of the incident – that was March 16th, my younger brother said he saw a strange and suspicious face outside our gate. I didn’t suspect any foul play initially. It was during midnight they broke the gate in the balcony and stole the bike away.

“I just got the bike not up to two months now. I got the bike to meet up with my duties. I am a secondary school teacher and I got the bike for me not to get late to school. To get the bike, I looked into my savings and also lend money from someone which I am still yet to balance. Since the bike was stolen, it has not been easy for me.”

According to him, he had since lodged the report at relevant quarters but was yet to find the motorcycle.

For Abdulkadri Abdul-lateef, one of the Imams at Temidayo Juma’at mosque – a popular mosque in the area, losing his bike was a source of worry for him.

Recounting how the bike was stolen, he said, “It was on a Wednesday midnight around 4 am sometimes in January, after leading the congregation Subhi prayer. My instincts told me to check the bike, I walked down to where I usually park it but it was nowhere to be found. My mind trembles as I envisioned the suffering the theft of my motorcycle would cost me.

“Meanwhile, a day before the machine was stolen. I noticed the autostart key and some wire have been removed from the machine by an unknown person and I called the mechanic to fix it for me.

“The motorcycle has really helped me. I catch up with appointments easily and it reduces the cost of transportation. Sometimes, if I buy N500 fuel, it will last me for five days, and also I was able to help my friends with a lift to school. It is very difficult and stressful for me to adjust to the transport expenses and this has made me miss some important engagements.”

Another resident who identified himself only as Mallam Sani narrating his ordeal said, “It was in December last year, I usually parked my bike at the staircase in my house. That faithful night, I parked it at the usual spot but by morning, it was nowhere to be found. This has really broken my heart, but I believe it’s Allah’s decree.”

Confirming this development, the community lawyer, Mr. AbdulRasheed Olorundare said that the incidence of motorcycle theft had become rampant in the area, adding that this had driven fear into motorcyclists, especially those who use theirs for commercial purposes.

According to him, about four cases of motorcycle theft were recorded in just one month. He appealed to necessary authorities to come to their aide.

Meanwhile, our correspondent made several phone calls and sent a text message to the Police spokesperson in Kwara State, Dsp Ajayi Okasanmi, for his reaction, but it proved abortive as he did not pick up the calls or respond to the text message.