Niger State government, like the Lagos State government, has resolved to restrict the use of motorbikes in the state towards crime control.
Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State on Saturday ordered the immediate ban on the sales of motorcycles in any part of the state.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Matane, disclosed the governor’s order in a statement in Minna on Saturday.
The SSG clarified that the state government resolved to impose the ban as an additional measure to eradicate the activities of criminals, tame bandits and kidnappers that have been ravaging the state and tormenting innocent citizens.
The SSG said that the state government condemned, in strong terms, the degree of carnage and pandemonium the bandits and kidnappers have caused in some parts of the state, reiterating government’s continuous determination to free the state from security threats.
According to Matane, “Government is aware of the inconveniences the measure would cause the people, but the decision was taken in the overall interest of the state and appeals to the dealers of motorcycles across the state to cooperate with the directive.”
Matane appealed to the people to cooperate with the security agencies on the measures put in place to end the activities of criminal elements, noting that it is for the benefit of all and sundry.
The SSG maintained that the state government has ordered security agencies to ensure effective and strict compliance, including undiluted enforcement of the ban in the state.
Matane declared that the government has also banned commercial motorcycle operators, known as Okada or Kabu-Kabu in Niger State. He further said that the operation of illegal garages is also banned in Minna metropolis and its environs.
The Niger State government had earlier restricted the movement of all motorcycles from 6.00pm to 6.00am across the state, before the total ban on Saturday.