GOMBE, Nigeria — Residents of Gombe State have expressed concern over a newly announced restriction on motorcycle usage from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., imposed by the state police command as part of broader efforts to curb rising violent crimes, particularly phone snatching.
The restriction, announced on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, by the Gombe State Police Command, follows the recent killing of a prominent businessman, Ahmed Aliyu Umar — popularly known as ‘Amadi Kasiran’ — who was stabbed to death by suspected phone snatchers while returning home in the evening on June 8.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, said the curfew is part of “proactive security measures aimed at preventing violence, intimidation, and avoidable incidents that often arise from the reckless use of weapons such as knives, cutlasses, machetes, daggers, clubs, and other offensive weapons in public gatherings.”
In addition to the curfew, the command announced a ban on carrying more than one passenger on a motorcycle, the use of vehicle-type horns on bikes, and public display of weapons during celebrations, political rallies, and festive periods.
DSP Abdullahi warned that the police would not tolerate any act capable of disturbing public peace, especially under the guise of community rivalry or celebration.
Despite the intention to curb criminal activity, the directive has been met with resistance from residents, who argue that the blanket restriction is harsh and may disproportionately affect law-abiding citizens.
Khaled Shehu Kaabo, a resident of Gombe metropolis, urged authorities to review the timing of the ban.
“Many law-abiding citizens rely on motorcycles for work, emergencies, and essential movement. This ban may increase hardship and insecurity,” he said, calling for community consultation to find a balanced solution.
Similarly, Nasir Isah Bello of the Concerned Citizens of Gombe State questioned the effectiveness of the restriction, noting that the perpetrators of such crimes — notably the ‘Kalare boys’ — often operate on foot.
“These ‘Kalare boys’ mostly operate on foot, hiding in dark corners to ambush unsuspecting citizens. They do not use bikes to carry out their operations,” Bello said.
“This restriction, though well-intentioned, will not directly address the real issues.”
He warned that the policy could lead to job losses among commercial motorcyclists and disrupt small businesses.
Muhammad Muddathir Salihu echoed those concerns, suggesting that the restriction could inadvertently increase vulnerability.
“People will still need to move around beyond 7 p.m. They might use tricycles or walk long distances, creating new opportunities for criminals,” he said.
Salihu added that many residents work late hours and may be forced to take unsafe routes home, further undermining public safety.
The police, however, maintain that the restriction is necessary in light of a disturbing trend in violent crimes within the metropolis.
The killing of Amadi Kasiran was the latest in a series of attacks that, according to police sources and local reports, have claimed over 20 lives in the past month alone — mostly due to phone snatching and late-night robberies.
DSP Abdullahi confirmed that the 45-year-old businessman was attacked with a knife and fatally wounded in the chest and back at around 8 p.m. in the Hammadu Kafi area of Akko Local Government Area. He was declared dead on arrival at the Specialist Hospital, Gombe.
“The Command strongly condemns this senseless and unwarranted act of violence,” Abdullahi said.
“All efforts are being intensified to identify, trace, and apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime so they can be brought to justice.”
