Ekuma made the call while reacting to the fatal shooting of Nwanchor Uwazuruike, an Okada rider who was reportedly shot by a police operative during a patrol operation around Hariz Filling Station at about 10:30pm on Tuesday.
The MTUN chairman described the incident as unfortunate, painful and avoidable, stressing that better training, professionalism and humane engagement by police officers would help prevent similar tragedies and rebuild trust between security agencies and commercial motorcycle operators.
“It is very sad. I want the Commissioner of Police and those in charge to retrain their men. If police stop a bike man in a normal way, he will stop because police is our friend. But when too much pressure is mounted on riders, fear sets in,” Ekuma said.
He explained that many Okada riders panic when confronted aggressively by security operatives due to previous experiences of harassment, intimidation and extortion, although he emphasized that fleeing from the police is not the right response.
According to him, commercial motorcycle operators play a critical role in supporting security efforts across the state, noting that riders are often among the first to notice suspicious movements and criminal activities due to their constant movement within communities.
“We partner with the police because we give them information. Whatever is happening in any street, the Okada man usually hears it first,” he said.
Ekuma also advised members of the union to remain law-abiding and avoid confrontation with security agents, urging riders to cooperate with the police at all times.
“If police stop you, stop. Don’t fight them. If there is intimidation, call me. Every member has my number. Obey the law so we don’t create more problems,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed that officers involved in the incident have been taken into custody. The command said the Commissioner of Police has ordered a thorough, impartial and professional investigation into the matter.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed that the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) is currently handling the investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The incident has continued to generate reactions across the state, with many residents calling for justice for the deceased and improved engagement between security agencies and members of the public.
