The Benue State Security Council has imposed a dusk to dawn curfew on two local government areas of the state as part of measure to contain criminal activities in the areas.
The affected LGAs are; Ukum and Katsina-Ala which reportedly became safe havens for banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery among other security challenges.
State Deputy Governor, Engr. Benson Abounu, who made this known while briefing journalists at the end of the security council meeting in Makurdi, explained that the curfew remains in force with immediate effect between 8:00pm to 6:00am daily.
‘Ban on use of motorcycles still in force’
Abounu also said that the council resolved to sustain the ban on the use of motorcycles of all kinds in the area pending further review of the security situation.
He, however, clarified that movement of patients and pregnant women among other very necessary cases for medical attention using motorcycles where there are no vehicular presence would be allowed after thorough investigation.
The deputy governor emphasised that the decision to ban the use of motorcycles in the affected localities followed heinous attacks on residences in the areas which led to the death of many just as he noted that the ban had proven to be very successful.
Abounu however confirmed cases of burning of some motorcycles in the area by alleged security agents but that a stop was put to that action immediately it was brought to the attention of the leadership of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS).
