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Insecurity: Kaduna joins Zamfara, others, shuts down telecom services

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3 years ago

September 29, 2021

The immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has reportedly withdrawn his interest in being part of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet. According to report, presidency sources said Mr El-Rufai told President Tinubu at a meeting on Tuesday that he was no longer interested in becoming a minister but would continue to contribute his quota to the development of Nigeria as a private citizen. “He also told the president that he needed time to focus on his doctorate programme at a university in The Netherlands,” a source said. Another insider also said that the former governor suggested a new ministerial nominee — Jafaru Ibrahim Sani — for Kaduna State, saying the President would find him very useful and resourceful. Mr Sani served as commissioner in three ministries in Kaduna State (Local Government Education and Environment) while Mr El-Rufai was governor.

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Kaduna state government on Wednesday commences the process of shutting down telecom services in the state as parts of measures identified by security agencies in tackling rising insecurity in the state.

The state’s Commissioner of Internal Home Security of Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan disclosed this and other measures in a press briefing on Tuesday.

According to him, Governor Nasir El-Rufai has formerly 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.

“As part of the steps to address the current security situation in Kaduna State and neighbouring states in the North-West and North-Central regions, KDSG has held several meetings with security agencies to adopt critical measures towards crushing bandits in their identified hideouts.

Aruwan explained that 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 as parts of the measures, there will be complete ban on the use of Okada for commercial or personal purposes for three months begining from Thursday, 30th of September 2021.

“Also, there will be ban on possession of or wielding of dangerous weapons, tricycles will only be allowed to operate from 6am to 7pm. All tricycles must remove all curtains. Movement of all tricycles are restricted from dusk till dawn (7PM to 6AM).

“All vehicles used for commercial transport must be painted in yellow and black within 30 days. Vehicles that are part of ride hailing services are to carry yellow and black stripes.

“Ban on the sale of petrol in jerry-cans or other containers in Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Chikun, Igabi, Kachia, Kagarko and Kajuru LGAs.

He said other containment measures previously communicated by the Kaduna State Government remain in place.

“The Kaduna State Government regrets the severe strain and inconvenience these measures will place on peaceful and law abiding citizens. The Government therefore appeals for the understanding and cooperation of all residents of the affected areas, and indeed across the State. These difficult times have demand that difficult decisions be made.

“The measures have been adopted purely in the interest of our collective safety and security, and to aid our brave forces in their fight against these mindless criminals.

“Too many lives have been lost, and too many families have been shattered. Small groups of wicked persons cannot continue to hold us to ransom, and force us to live in perpetual fear.

“Once again, the government craves the understanding of all citizens. The hardship we face will be temporary, and we are confident that in the end, it will pay off. Good will prevail over evil.”