Police in Oyo State have arrested 1,216 drivers for failing to possess valid third party vehicle insurance while driving on the highway.
StarReporters recalls that the Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, had set a deadline of 1 February for motorists to obtain insurance cover before using public roads.
Egbetokun had directed Commissioners of Police across the country to apprehend defaulting motorists and impound uninsured vehicles.
In an interview in Ibadan on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr Johnson Adenola, said the arrests were made in line with the directive.
He stated that 111 of the offenders had been charged to court, while 425 were released after securing the required third party insurance.
He added that 680 cases were still under investigation for various infractions.
“The enforcement has not been suspended, it is still very much in force in Oyo State,” said the commissioner.
“To ensure compliance, the Oyo State Police Command through its Public Relations Department, Community Policing unit and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) embarked on series of advocacy campaigns and outreaches for the purpose of sensitising members of the public across every nook and cranny in these regards,” Adenola added.
He advised motorists in the state to obtain valid third party vehicle insurance and other necessary documents to avoid interruptions from law enforcement officers.
On criminal activities involving individuals posing as cart pushers, Adenola noted that maintaining security was a collective responsibility.
He explained that the command held regular meetings with key stakeholders to assess emerging security threats and sustain peace in the state.
Adenola urged residents to support the Police by promptly reporting suspicious activities for immediate intervention.
(NAN)