In a move to enhance security and regulate motorcycle operations, the Executive Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Council, Hon. Amalau Samuel Amalau, alongside his Deputy, Hon. Wallangko Mahwel Joseph, has officially launched uniforms and identification stickers for motorcycle riders in the area.
The initiative, unveiled today, was well received by motorcycle riders across Bokkos, as it aims to improve security, curb criminal activities, and streamline motorcycle operations.
Hon. Amalau welcomed a broad security team, including representatives from the NSCDC, STF, DSS, FBI, RST, Immigration, NPA, and other security agencies. Also in attendance were key traditional leaders, including the District Head, Monday Adanchin, alongside various community stakeholders.
In his opening remarks, the chairman emphasized the importance of security awareness and urged the community to remain vigilant. He highlighted the registration of motorcycles and proper rider identification as a strategic measure to curb crime, especially as motorcycles are often used in kidnapping, robbery, and other criminal activities.
Hon. Amalau called for community-wide cooperation in sharing intelligence with law enforcement agencies, ensuring that facts prevail over false accusations. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eradicating violence, motorcycle theft, and insecurity in Bokkos.
The President of the Motorcycle Riders Association, Alhaji Bashiru Mustapha Bala, commended the chairman for recognizing the significant role of motorcycle riders in the local economy. He pointed out that 90% of riders are youths and graduates who contribute meaningfully to society but are often overlooked in governance. He pledged full cooperation with law enforcement to ensure a safer and more structured motorcycle operation system.
A Road Safety representative acknowledged that criminals frequently exploit motorcycles to commit crimes and stressed that the new registration system would improve tracking and accountability. Plans are already in place to replace old motorcycle numbers with newly issued ones.
The STF Commander, Hassan, expressed gratitude to the chairman for his swift response to security concerns, including providing fuel for security vehicles to enhance their operations. He cautioned against registering criminals under any political or personal influence, emphasizing strict adherence to due process.
The NSCDC representative urged all stakeholders to enforce implementation effectively and ensure that only registered riders are allowed to operate. He recommended widespread awareness campaigns in local markets to inform the public of the penalties for fraudulent registrations.
The SIB representative highlighted the importance of clear communication between riders and security agencies, urging all motorcycle riders to always carry valid identification for verification.
The District Head of Bokkos, Monday Adanchin, commended the chairman for his decisive action in promoting peace and security. He prayed for continued wisdom and guidance for the chairman as he leads the community toward greater safety and development.
At the conclusion of the event, Hon. Amalau officially commissioned the distribution of uniforms and stickers to registered riders. He also announced plans to establish a new office for the Motorcycle Riders Association and the appointment of new leadership to oversee the initiative’s implementation.
The newly introduced color-coded sticker system is as follows:
Blue Stickers – For private motorcycles
Red Stickers – For commercial motorcycles
In his final remarks, Hon. Amalau declared: “In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, I decree and declare, Amen.”
Signed: Mapis Jonathan Marawes Director of Media, Bokkos Local Government Council
USA-based sprinter Blessing Ogundiran overcame travel disruptions and an exhausting four-day journey from the United States to emerge as Nigeria’s fastest woman after winning the women’s 100m title at the Commonwealth Games Trials in Lagos on Monday.
Competing at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, Ogundiran produced a brilliant run of 11.12 seconds (-0.5m/s) to claim victory in a highly competitive final and secure the national crown.
The newly crowned champion revealed after the race that her preparation for the event was far from ideal, having endured a lengthy trip caused by weather-related challenges in the United States.
“It was a tough time getting here after traveling for almost four days due to what happened in the US (storm), but I am grateful to God that I am going back with the title,” Ogundiran said. She added that the advice from her coach before the race played a key role in helping her stay composed under pressure.
“When I was at the start block, I was thinking of what my coach told me—that I should just execute my race and not panic—and that was exactly what I did.”
Ogundiran was pushed all the way by the impressive Miracle Ezechukwu, who clocked a personal best of 11.15 seconds to finish second.
Her performance also earned her qualification for the Ben Aghazu Excellence in Athletics Prize, an initiative established to reward outstanding performances by home-based athletes.
Another USA-based sprinter, Olayinka Olajide, completed the podium places with a time of 11.28 seconds. Ezechukwu’s remarkable run received special praise from Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Second Vice President, Akuchukwu Aghazu, the initiator of the Excellence in Athletics Prize.
“This is exactly what the Excellence in Athletics Prize was created to achieve – to inspire our athletes to push beyond limits and believe in their abilities,” Aghazu said.
“Seeing Miracle Ezechukwu achieve the benchmark with a personal best performance is rewarding. It shows that when athletes are given motivation and a platform to compete, they respond positively.” Aghazu reiterated her commitment to supporting athletes based in Nigeria and hailed the overall quality of competition on display.
“Our home-based athletes are incredibly talented. They deserve recognition, encouragement and opportunities to excel.
The Excellence in Athletics Prize is about celebrating hard work, dedication and excellence, and today’s performances have justified that vision.”
Elsewhere, Olympian Chukwuebuka Enekwechi claimed the men’s shot put title with a throw of 21.46m, securing the national crown for the fifth consecutive time since representing Nigeria, while Oyesade Oyetayo won the men’s hammer throw with 65.07m.
The men’s 100m competition also gathered momentum, with Favour Ashe, Chidera Ezeakor, Fakorede Adekalu, Tejiri Godwin, and Enoch Adegoke all progressing to Tuesday’s semifinals and final after winning their respective heats.
In the 400m semifinals, top contenders including Patience Okon-George, IyanuOluwa Aderemi (51.86s PB), Taiwo Kudoro, Faith Ezechukwu, Jecinter Lawrence, and Becky Ebiyadi booked places in the women’s final.
In the men’s category, Emmanuel Ojeli, Sikiru Adeyemi, Victor Sampson, Samson Nathaniel, Victory Achakpoekri, and Tyler Johnson advanced to the final.
The final day of the trials will feature the men’s and women’s 200m finals, the 400m finals, as well as the 100m and 110m hurdles events.
The event attracted several athletics legends and stakeholders, including Mary Onyali, Solomon Ogba, Chief Malik Itiako Ikpokpo, Hameed Adio, Gloria Obajimi and Emilia Edet, who witnessed another memorable chapter in Nigeria’s growing athletics resurgence.
BY SUNDAY SAMUEL—The Ondo State Police Command under the proactive leadership of CP Felix Ohagwu psc, mnips, mspsp has successfully foiled two separate kidnap attempts in Owo Local Government Area of the State, rescuing all victims involved and forcing the fleeing criminals to abandon their mission following swift and coordinated security operations.
The incidents, which occurred within a few hours of each other on Sunday, 21st June, 2026, underscore the Command’s proactive operational readiness and the effectiveness of ongoing efforts aimed at combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the State.
The first incident occurred at about 7:05 p.m. when the Police received a distress call indicating that a six-man armed kidnapping gang had stormed the residence of Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, Chairman of Ojana New Area, Owo, with the intention of abducting him. Acting promptly on the information, the Divisional Police Officer, B Division, Owo, mobilized and led a patrol team to the scene.
Upon arrival, the operatives encountered the armed assailants, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The superior tactical response and determination of the Police operatives forced the criminals to retreat into the surrounding bush, abandoning their plan. The intended victim and his family members were successfully rescued unharmed and subsequently relocated to a safer location for enhanced security and protection.
In a related development later that same night, at about 11:10 p.m., another armed gang attacked one Daniel Ologun, a 39-year-old resident of Gbegun Community along Alhaja Camp, off Housing Estate, Owo. During the attack, the victim sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg while the assailants forcefully took his wife, Mrs. Taibat Ologun, aged 34 years, and their two young children, aged four and two years respectively, into the bush.
Upon receiving information about the incident, the Police immediately launched a rescue operation. The rapid deployment of operatives and sustained pressure mounted on the fleeing kidnappers disrupted their movement and compelled them to abandon the Mr Daniel Ologun. In a coordinated search-and-rescue effort involving the Police and personnel of the Nigerian Army, Mrs. Ologun and her two children were later successfully rescued unhurt from the assailants who escaped with gunshot injurieat about 1:50 a.m.
The injured victim was promptly taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, where he is currently receiving medical attention and responding positively to treatment.
Meanwhile, joint security teams comprising Police operatives and military personnel have intensified bush-combing operations in the affected areas and adjoining forests with a view to apprehending the fleeing suspects and dismantling any criminal hideouts within the axis. Efforts are ongoing to track down all members of the criminal gangs involved in the attacks and bring them to justice.
CP Felix Ohagwu, psc, mnips, mspsp, has directed that the rescued victims be immediately debriefed to obtain additional information that may assist ongoing investigations and intelligence-gathering efforts aimed at identifying and apprehending the fleeing suspects. Afterwhich all rescued victims be reunited with their families while ensuring that necessary security measures are put in place for their continued safety and well-being.
The CP commends the bravery and swift response of the operatives involved in both operations, as well as the support of the Nigerian Army and members of the public who provided timely information that aided the successful rescue missions.