By Esther Akaa
The Kaduna State Government has placed a complete ban on the use of motorcycles (Okada), for both commercial and personal purposes, for a period of three months beginning from Thursday, September 30 as part of measures to check insecurity in the state.
The state Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan who disclosed this on Wednesday at a press briefing held in Kaduna said the state also banned the possession of or wielding of dangerous weapons in the state.
According to him, tricycles are only allowed to operate from 6am to 7pm and must remove all curtains while operating in the state.
“You will recall that Governor Nasir El-Rufai announced in a media chat yesterday (28th September 2021) that the state government has formally requested the Federal Government to enforce the shutdown of telecom services in parts of the state identified by security agencies as requiring such measures.
“The relevant federal agencies have today informed the Kaduna State Government that the processes for telecoms shutdown in parts of the state have commenced.
“The military and other security forces have been carrying out assaults on the identified locations. The state government is advised that certain measures are now necessary to assist the spirited efforts of these security agencies,” he said.
The commissioner further stated that vehicles used for commercials transport must be painted in yellow and black stripes within 30 days.
He re-emphasised the ban on the sale of petrol in jerry-cans or other containers in Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Chikun, Igabi, Kachia, Kagarko and Kajuru Local Government Areas of the State.
“Other containment measures previously communicated by the Kaduna State Government remain in place. These include: ban on felling of trees and forestry activities in Birnin Gwari, Giwa Igabi, Chikun, Kachia, Kagarko and Kajuru LGAs.
“Ban on firewood and charcoal transportation. Ban on the transportation of livestock into and out of the State.
“Cessation of weekly markets in the frontline local government areas of Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Chikun, Igabi, Kajuru and Kawo weekly market of Kaduna North local government,” he added.
Aruwan, while regretting the severe strain and inconvenience the measures put in place by the state will cause citizens, appealed for the understanding and cooperation of all residents of the affected areas, and indeed across the State.