The recent ban on operation of commercial motorcycles, popularly
known as okada in Kano has led to an okada rider’s death after he
claimed the ban threw him into poverty and misery.
The man identified as Mallam Ali Harazumi Hamisu hanged himself last
Saturday in Jaen Layin Makera, a tiny community in the suburb of Kano.
Kano State Government had banned the operation of commercial
motorcyclists in the northern city as part of efforts to curb terrorism
which has hit the city hard in recent times, making Hamisu lose his only
means of livelihood.
Residents of Jaen Layin Makera said they had never witnessed such a tragic incident.
“We were surprised Hamisu could go to the extent of taking his own
life. He was such a quiet and peace-loving man. Things went so bad for
him when they banned commercial motorcycle operation in the city.
“He could not find alternative means of livelihood so he was doing
menial job to sustain his family. He must have taken that option out of
frustration,” his kinsman, Mallam Ibrahim Abdullahi said.
Alhaji Yakubu Hamisu, elder brother of the deceased, said the
deceased depended solely on proceeds from his commercial motorcycle
operation for survival before the sudden ban by the state government
which ravaged him.
“The late Hamisu had separated from his wives and was unable to pay
his house rent due to the loss of his job. His wives had to divorce him
because he could no longer take care of their needs. I tried my best to
help him but my earnings are so small to sustain my family and carter
for his own needs.
“I feel so bad that my brother ended it all in this tragic manner. It
is a big stain on the family name and Allah forbids it. However, I pray
that Allah forgives him his sins and grants him eternal blessings,”
Yakubu said.
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