The Katsina State, Governor Aminu Masari, has signed a notice of public order known as the ‘Security Challenges Containment Order’, to curb the renewed resurgence of banditry in the state, effective from today August 31st, 2021.
The order affects 19 out of the 34 local government areas bedeviled by the activities of banditry, which include, the closure of roads in the affected areas.
The affected local government areas, are, Jibiya, Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Kankara, Malumfashi, and Charanchi. Others are Mai’adua, Kafur, Faskari, Sabuwa, Baure, Dutsinma, Kaita, Dandume, Musawa, Matazu, Kurfi and Danja.
The order includes the immediate closure of the Jibia-Gurbin Baure road to all motorists until further notice. It advised travelers plying the road to go through Funtua.
Also closed to commercial vehicles is the Kankara-Scheme road. They are also advised to go through Funtua, except for only private and non-commercial vehicles.
The Governor also ordered the suspension of sales of all animals at the 14 markets of Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Kankara, Malumfashl, and Charanchi.
Animals cannot be sold also at Mai’adua, Kafur, Faskari, Sabuwa, Baure, Dutsinma, and Kaita Local Government Areas.
Also Read: Bandits killed 6 people in Dan-Kumeji village in Katsina State
It also includes a ban on transportation of cattle from Katsina State to any state in Nigeria, as well as lorries, especially trucks carrying firewood from the bush.
Masari also ordered the total ban on carrying 3 persons on motorcycles and more than 3 passengers on a tricycle, as well as a total ban on the sale of second-hand motorcycles at the Charanchi Market.
The re-enforcement of the ban on the operation of commercial tricycles and motorcycles from 10.00 p.m to 6.00 am in the state capital, and 6.00 pm to 6.00 am in the frontline local government areas also takes effect.
Masari further ordered the re-enforcement of the total ban on the sale of petrol in Jerry cans at filling stations, adding that, only 2 designated filling stations are allowed to sell fuel of not more than 5,000 Naira, to motorists in the 14 local government areas of Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Kankara, Faskari, Sabuwa, Dandume, Musawa, Matazu, Dutsinma, Kurfi, Danja and Kafur.
The Governor, then ordered that only identified essential workers, including health personnel, security personnel, and journalists, can use tricycles and motorcycles beyond the banned periods.
Edited: Tunde Orebiyi
