The Abia State Government has clarified that it has not banned the operation of tricycles, popularly known as keke, across the state.

However, the government warned that parks operating outside the Nnenna-Oti Bus Terminal in Umuahia would be sealed and fined, while vehicles found at such locations would be impounded and offenders prosecuted.

The state Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukaegbu, gave the clarification on Friday following a statement he issued on Thursday concerning the activities of tricycle operators and the proliferation of parks in Umuahia, the state capital.

Ukaegbu explained that the restriction applies specifically to the use of tricycles for long-distance passenger transportation to destinations including Owerri, Obowo, Mbaise and Arochukwu.

According to him, the measure was introduced to protect the lives of passengers and operators, noting that tricycles were not designed for long-distance journeys and could pose safety risks when used for such trips.

“The government remains committed to ensuring safe, regulated, and efficient transportation across the state,” he said.

The commissioner’s earlier statement had directed tricycle operators plying routes from Umuahia to Obowu, Owerri, Ohafia and Arochukwu to stop such operations immediately.

It stated: “This is to inform the general public, especially tricycle operators, that as part of State Government efforts to ensure sanity, order, and safety on our roads, the Abia State Government hereby directs all Keke operators plying routes from Umuahia to Obowu, Owerri, Ohafia, and Arochukwu are strictly prohibited.”

It added that any operator found violating the directive would be arrested and have the tricycle impounded.

The state government also warned operators of parks who had refused to relocate to the ultra-modern Nnenna-Oti Bus Terminal in Umuahia to comply with the directive or face legal action.

In the release, also signed by Ukaegbu, the commissioner warned that the government would not tolerate disobedience by park operators.

The Abia State Harmonised Task Force and transport unions have been directed to enforce compliance with the government’s directives.

The government also stated that the operation of Akanelu, involving pick-and-drop services by long-distance commercial vehicles, had been banned in the state.

Meanwhile, long-distance tricycle operators have appealed to the state government to allow them to operate alongside the state’s Green Shuttle buses.

The operators said the business was their only source of income and urged the government to consider their livelihood while implementing the transportation restrictions