Ndikumana Gilbert, 30, is one of the victims. A taxi motorcyclist based in Gicumbi, Gilbert was working a routine shift in 2022 when he picked up a passenger who requested a ride to an unspecified location. After agreeing on the fare, things took a dark turn. "While on the way, he diverted me into a forest path," Gilbert recalled. “I don’t know what happened next. I just woke up at Byumba Hospital.” Rescuers later told him they found him unconscious in the forest, robbed of his motorcycle, all identification documents, and money. Gilbert remained in the hospital for a month. Despite a police investigation, the bike was never recovered, and the culprits were never identified.

Gilbert’s experience is far from isolated. The Rwanda National Police reported that nine suspects had been arrested in connection with motorcycle thefts in the region. Eight motorcycles were recovered and returned to their owners; one remains missing.

Rukeramihigo, another motorcyclist from Gicumbi, recounted a similarly harrowing encounter. "Two young men asked me to drive them together on a muddy road with no police patrols," he said. “When we reached a forested area, they grabbed the key from the ignition. I resisted, but one of them pulled a machete from his bag. They beat me severely and stole the motorcycle.”

Not all riders survive. Florida (name changed for safety reasons), a widow with four children, recounted the tragic loss of her husband. “One day I received a phone call telling me my husband had been killed and robbed of his motorcycle,” she said, her voice shaking. “He was the sole provider for our family. After that, we struggled to afford food. Though suspects were arrested and the motorcycle recovered, the trauma remains.”

Safety Concerns, Rising Costs, and Institutional Response

The attacks have had a chilling effect on the local transportation scene. In Nyankenke Sector, resident Uzabakiriho François said finding a motorcycle ride at night has become increasingly difficult. "Usually, I pay 1,500 Rwf to get from the bus station to Yalamba, but now they charge 3,000 Rwf, or they refuse altogether," he said. “Motorcyclists are scared of being ambushed, especially on that road. We've had to start going home earlier.”

According to Ngabonziza Prudence, president of the motorcyclist union in Gicumbi, the situation deteriorated significantly in 2024. He confirmed two rider deaths and added that some stolen motorcycles are smuggled into neighboring countries. "Some bikes are taken across the border to Uganda or to other districts for sale,” he said.

Local officials are aware of the issue. Gicumbi District Mayor Nzabonimpa Emmanuel told Isango Star that incidents had occurred in sectors outside Byumba and praised police and residents for their vigilance. "We’re fortunate the police recovered stolen motorcycles and apprehended suspects. I believe security has improved," he said.

SP Bosco Mwiseneza, police spokesperson for the Northern Province, echoed this sentiment. “Motorcycle theft has stopped. Some suspects were arrested, others are under investigation, and we currently have no ongoing cases,” he told Isango Star.

However, many riders argue that the threat still lingers, particularly in rural areas. Both motorcyclists and passengers are calling for enhanced road safety measures, including the installation of street lights and greater coordination between local authorities and residents to deter future crimes.

As night falls over Gicumbi, fear continues to accompany those who rely on motorcycles for their livelihood.