Gombe Motorcycle Ban: ACYLF Speaks

From: Faith Johnson 

The Arewa Christian Youth Leadership Forum has commended the Nigeria Police Force for restricting motorcycle use in Gombe State between 7:00 PM and 6:00 AM to enhance public safety and reduce crime. In a statement signed by Dunijir Gatama, National President of ACYLF, the group believes this move is timely and necessary given the increasing security concerns and the role motorcycles often play in facilitating criminal activities.

The ACYLF notes that the restriction is justified due to security concerns, public safety, and traffic management. Motorcycles are frequently used by criminals for quick transportation during crimes, and the restriction has already led to a noticeable reduction in crime rates. Additionally, motorcycle accidents, especially at night, are a leading cause of injuries and fatalities.

While supporting the Nigeria Police Force's action, ACYLF urges the Gombe State Government to address the economic implications of the restriction on residents' livelihoods. The group calls on the government to create alternative employment opportunities, provide vocational training and job placement programs, and develop safe and affordable public transport systems to meet mobility needs, especially at night.

The full Press text reads;

ACYLF COMMENDS NIGERIA POLICE FORCE OVER MOTORCYCLE RESTRICTION IN GOMBE STATE, URGES GOVERNMENT TO ADDRESS UNDERLYING SOCIO-ECONOMIC ISSUES - 19th July 2025

The Arewa Christian Youth Leadership Forum (ACYLF) commends the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for its recent decision to restrict the use of motorcycles across Gombe State between 7:00 PM and 6:00 AM as a proactive measure to enhance public safety and reduce crime.

While the decision has sparked protests among some residents, ACYLF believes the move is timely and necessary, given the increasing security concerns and the role motorcycles often play in facilitating criminal activities, including armed robbery, banditry, and targeted attacks.

Why the Restriction is Justified:

1. Security Concerns:

Motorcycles are frequently used by criminals for quick transportation during crimes, especially under the cover of darkness. The restriction has already led to a noticeable reduction in crime rates, demonstrating its effectiveness.

2. Public Safety:

Motorcycle accidents, especially at night, are a leading cause of injuries and fatalities. Many riders do not adhere to safety regulations, posing risks to both themselves and other road users.

3. Traffic Management:

In urban centers, motorcycles contribute to traffic congestion, disorderliness, and non-compliance with traffic laws, which affects overall road safety and efficiency.

It is also important to note that this measure is not peculiar to Gombe State. Similar restrictions have been implemented in other parts of the country, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos, Rivers, Adamawa, Kaduna, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Kano States, with varying degrees of success.

Our Call to Action:

While we support the NPF’s action, ACYLF urges the Gombe State Government to complement this security measure by addressing the economic implications of the restriction on the livelihoods of many residents who depend on motorcycles (commercial or otherwise) for income.

We call on the government to:

- Create and expand alternative employment opportunities for affected youths.

- Provide vocational training, MSME support, and job placement programs to absorb those displaced by the restriction.

- Develop safe and affordable public transport systems to meet mobility needs, especially at night.

As an organization committed to responsible leadership, youth empowerment, and peaceful communities, ACYLF stands in support of measures that promote safety and order. However, such measures must also be matched with sustainable economic alternatives to prevent frustration, unemployment, and unrest.

We urge residents to remain calm and law-abiding, and we appeal to the government to act swiftly in bridging the gap between enforcement and empowerment.

Signed:

Dunijir Gatama 

National President

Arewa Christian Youth Leadership Forum (ACYLF)