Gov Bello Masari of Katsina State
In a bid to contain the downward spiral of insecurity in their states, Governor Bello Masari and his Niger State counterpart, Abubaka Sani Bello, have each ordered the suspension of activities at all weekly cattle markets in the state and inter state trading in the animal.
While Masari banned transportation of cattle from the state to any part of the country and ordered the stoppage of sale of all animals in 14 markets of frontline areas of bandits, including Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Kankara, Malumfashi, Charanci, Maiaduwa, Kafur, Faskari, Sabuwa, Baure, Dutsin ma and Kaita local government areas, Niger’s Sani Bello directed that any vehicle carrying cattle into the state must show waybill and evidence of the origin where the cattle were purchased and their destination.
A statement issued to newsmen by the Secretary to the State Government in Niger, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Metane, also suspended the operation of trucks carrying firewood/timber across the state, adding that all motorcycles were only allowed to operate from 6:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m across the state.
He said the government also banned sales of petroleum products in jerrycans or any other containers at filling stations in the state.
These new measures, according to the government would start to from September 1. It mandated all filling stations not to sell petrol of more than N10,000 to each vehicle at a time and should be wary of vehicles or motorcycles coming for repeat purchases.
He said; “Government is calling on the people of the state to be very vigilant, security conscious and report all suspicious characters, movements or objects to security agents.
“Security is everybody’s business and all hands must be on deck in complementing government’s efforts towards safeguarding lives and property of citizens”, the statement added
In Katsina State, it measures were contained in a statement, entitled; “Katsina State Government, Nigeria, Security Challenges (Containment Order)”, signed Monday by the governor, which took effect August 31, 2021.
Announcing the measures in the order dated 30th day of August, 2021, Governor Masari, said: “In the exercise of powers conferred upon me by the subsection (2) of section 176 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all other powers enabling me on that behalf, I, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari CFR, the Governor of Katsina State, do hereby make the following:
“This Notice may be cited as the Security Challenges (Containment) Order and shall come into effect on the 31st day of August 2021.”
The Governor further ordered “immediate total closure of Jibia-Gurbin Baure road to all motorists until further notice. Travellers plying that road are advised to go through Funtua.”
He also ordered the “immediate closure of Kankara-Sheme road to all commercial vehicles, which are advised to go through Funtua. Only private non-commercial vehicles are to ply the road.”
It also said “lorries/trucks carrying firewood from the bush are totally banned.” Similarly, it suspended the sale of all animals at the markets in Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Kankara and some other local governments. .
Also, Governor Masari ordered a “ban on transportation of cattle trucks from Katsina to any state in Nigeria.”
The 12-point Order also banned the sale of second hand motorcycles at Charanchi market and carrying of three persons on motorcycles as well as carrying more than three passengers on a tricycle.
Furthermore, the Order limited the sale of fuel of not more than N5,000.00 to motorists to only 2 designated filling stations in Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Kankara, Faskari, Sabuwa, Dandume, Musawa, Matazu, Dutsinma, Kurfi, Danja and Kafur local government areas, even as it reinforced the prohibition of the sale of petrol in jerry cans at filling stations.
In the same vein, the Order reinforced the ban on the operation of commercial tricycles and motorcycles from 10.00am to 6.00am in the state capital from 6.00pm to 6.00 am in the frontline local government areas.
It, however, identified and allowed essential workers like health personnel, security personnel and journalists to use tricycles and motorcycles beyond the banned period.
