By Elvira Jordan
A Port Harcourt-based clergyman and social analyst, Akeem Idoniboye, has called on the Rivers State Government and relevant transport authorities to strengthen the licensing and registration of commercial mini bus operators to help curb alleged cases of “one-chance” robbery and improve passenger safety across the state.
Idoniboye, who is the founder of Glorious Destiny Family Church, Destiny Chapel, made the call in a conversation with an Exceed News correspondent.
He expressed concern over what he described as increasing cases of road robberies and accidents involving mini buses, popularly known as keke bus, particularly incidents linked to passengers falling from moving vehicles whose doors are left open.
“I am planning to write a proposal to the Ministry of Transport to force keke bus drivers to shut their doors. Many people have been injured and hospitalized because they fell out of the bus while on speed,” he said.
Idoniboye said authorities should enforce measures requiring mini bus operators to keep their vehicles properly secured while in motion.
He further argued that operators who fail to comply with basic safety requirements should face appropriate sanctions, including restrictions on their operations where necessary.
“If they cannot be forced to shut their doors, they should be banned. If they cannot place human lives above their personal gains, then we don’t need them,” he said.
Beyond passenger safety, Idoniboye raised concerns about the alleged use of some mini buses in criminal activities, particularly “one-chance” robberies.
He called for all commercial tricycles operating in the state to be properly licensed and registered with the relevant authorities, saying such measures would make it easier to identify operators and vehicles.
He also proposed that mini buses should also be required to bear the prescribed colours and other identifying features for public transportation vehicles.
According to him, proper registration, licensing and identification of all transportation vehicles would improve accountability and assist security agencies in identifying vehicles involved in criminal activities.
Idoniboye urged the state government and transport authorities to prioritise passenger safety while reviewing regulations governing transport operations in Rivers State.
He said stronger enforcement of existing transportation and safety regulations would help protect commuters and address concerns surrounding the operation of commercial vehicles across the state.
