Banditry: Masari Enforces Fresh Security Measures

• Shuts down major roads
•  Bans sale of cattle in 14 markets

By Francis Sardauna

As the nefarious activities of bandits continue to impact negatively on some parts of Katsina State, Governor Aminu Bello Masari has ordered the immediate and total closure of the Jibia-Gurbin Baure road to all motorists until further notice.

The governor also ordered the immediate closure of the Kankara-Sheme road to all commercial vehicles and re-enforced the ban on the operation of commercial tricycles and motorcycles from 10pm to 6am in the state capital and 6pm to 6am in front line local government areas.

He said the closure of the roads and other measures were in exercise of powers conferred upon him by sub-section (2) of Section 176 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

Masari, in a statement by his Director-General on Media, Abdu Labaran Malumfashi, on Tuesday, admonished travellers plying the affected roads to use the alternative Funtua road until further notice.

The statement read: “Only private noncommercial vehicles are to ply the road and lories, trucks carrying firewood from the bush are totally banned.

“Suspension of sale of all animals at the markets of the following local government areas: Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Kankara, Malumfashi, Charanchi, Mal’adua, Kafur, Faskari, Sabuwa, Baure, Dutsinma and Kaita.

“Ban on transportation of cattle trucks from Katsina State to any other state in Nigeria. Total ban on carrying three persons on motorcycles and more than three passengers on a tricycle.”

It added: “Total ban on the sale of second-hand motorcycles at the Charanchi market. Re-enforcement of the ban on the operation of commercial tricycles and motorcycles from 10pm to 6am in the state capital and 6pm to 6am in the front line local government areas.

“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.

“Identified essential workers (health personnel, security personnel and journalists) could use tricycles and motorcycles beyond the banned periods.”