{
  "id": 13428487,
  "title": "Commercial motorcyclists in Ikom embark on compulsory prayers, fasting",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/commercial-motorcyclists-in-ikom-embark-on-compulsory-prayers-fasting",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-10T14:04:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/10/commercial-motorcyclists-in-ikom-embark-on-compulsory-prayers-fasting/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Commercial motorcyclists, commonly known as Okada riders, in Ikom Town, Cross River State, have begun a compulsory one-day fast, strictly enforced by their association's officials. The fast, typically held once a week, aims to unite the riders and prevent incidents such as accidents and robberies. Maxwell Nsan, a 40-year-old Okada rider, explained that the weekly fast is a routine and that the riders convene at a designated location for prayer while fasting. During this period, no Okada rider should be seen riding on the road with passengers, or they face severe penalties. Nsan also noted that they have observed a decrease in negative incidents since implementing the weekly fast. The Deputy Police Officer (DPO) of Ikom Town, CSP Abdulrahman Lagbe, and the Chairman of Ikom LGA, Pastor Mercy Nsor, confirmed the reduction in criminal activities in the area due to the fast's positive impact. They emphasized that ongoing prayers will continue to aid in crime reduction efforts. Both officials stressed the importance of relying on God and prayers for security, acknowledging that human efforts alone cannot guarantee success.",
  "summary": "Commercial motorcyclists, popularly called Okada riders, have embarked on one day fasting in Ikom Town, in Ikom LGA of Cross River State. The one day fast is compulsory and seriously enforced by officials of the Okada Riders Association in the town. Okada riders spoken to in Ikom Town said they usually hold the spiritual exercise […] Commercial motorcyclists in Ikom embark on compulsory prayers,…",
  "key_points": [
    "Ikom Okada riders start compulsory one-day fast for unity and safety",
    "Weekly fast aims to prevent accidents and robberies",
    "Decrease in criminal activities confirmed by officials"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}