The Kaduna State government said yesterday that the shutdown of telecommunication services in some sections of the state, as well as a ban on the usage of motorcycles for business and personal purposes, have begun.
The measures, according to Samuel Aruwan, the commissioner for internal security and home affairs, will help the security agencies carry out their operations in various sections of the state.
“You may recall that Governor Nasir el-Rufai stated in a press conference on Tuesday that the state administration has formally petitioned the federal government to impose a telecom service shut down in areas of the state identified by security authorities as requiring such measures.
“The appropriate federal authorities informed the Kaduna state government yesterday (Wednesday) that the process for telecoms shutdown in sections of the state has begun.
“As part of the efforts to address the current security situation in Kaduna state and neighboring states in the north-west and north-central areas, the KDSG has had several meetings with security agencies to adopt vital steps aimed at destroying bandits in their known hideouts.
“Attacks on the identified locations have been carried out by the military and other security personnel. Certain measures, according to the state government, are now required to support these security services’ valiant efforts.
“As of Thursday, September 30, 2021, the following measures will be in effect: For the first three months, the use of motorcycles (Okada) for commercial or personal purposes is completely prohibited. Possession or use of hazardous weapons is banned.
“Tricycles are only permitted to operate from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. All curtains must be removed from all tricycles. From dusk till dawn, all tricycles are prohibited from moving (7 pm to 6 am).
“Within 30 days, all vehicles used for commercial transportation must be painted yellow and black. Yellow and black stripes are required on vehicles used by ride-hailing services.”
In Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Chikun, Igabi, Kachia, Kagarko, and Kajuru LGAs, the commissioner also issued a prohibition on the selling of petrol “in jerry-cans or other containers.”
“The Kaduna state government regrets the significant strain and inconvenience these measures will impose on law-abiding citizens,” he stated. As a result, the government is appealing for everyone’s understanding and cooperation in the impacted areas, as well as throughout the state. These trying times have necessitated the making of difficult judgments.
“The measures were taken solely to protect our collective safety and security, as well as to assist our heroic military in their struggle against these irrational criminals.
Ada Peter
