Katsina moves to check insecurity, shuts major roads, markets

In its effort to tackle insecurity, the government of Katsina has taken some stringent measures across the state.

In an executive order, tagged “Security Challenges Containment Order” signed by the state governor, Aminu Bello Masari, 11 notices of the order were given and said to have come into effect on the 31st day of August 2021.

They include shutting of roads and major markets.

“In the exercise of powers conferred upon me by the Subsection (2) of section 176 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) 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:

“Immediate total closure of Jibia-Gurbin Baure road to all motorists until further notice. Travelers plying that road are advised to go through Funtua,” the order read in part.

Other notices include the immediate closure of Kankara-Sheme road to all commercial vehicles, who were advised to go through Funtua. Only private non commercial vehicles are to ply the road; Lories /Trucks carrying firewood from the bush were totally banned.

Suspension of the sale of all animals at the markets of the following Local Government Areas: Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Kankara, Malumfashi, Charanchi, Mai’adua, Kafur, Faskari, Sabuwa, Baure, Dutsinma and Kaita; Ban on transportation of cattle trucks from Katsina State to any State in Nigeria

Others are the total ban on carrying 3 persons on motorcycles and more than 3 passengers on a tricycle; total ban on the sale of second-hand motorcycles at Charanchi market and re-enforcement of the ban on the operation of commercial tricycles and motorcycles from 10.00 p.m to 6.00 a.m in the state capital, and 6.00 p.m to 6.00 a.m in the frontline Local Government Areas;

The rest are re-enforcement of the total ban on the sale of petrol in jerry cans at filling stations; only two designated Filling stations are allowed to sell fuel of not more than N5,000.00 to motorists in Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Kankara, Faskari, Sabuwa, Dandume, Musawa, Matazu, Dutsinma, Kurfi, Danja and Kafur Local Government Areas.

The order, however, made some exemptions by adding that identified essential workers (health personnel, security personnel and Journalists) could use tricycles and motorcycles beyond the banned periods.