*Says it only blocked supply chain to bandits
Zamfara State government says it did not order a ban on bread production in any part of the state.
In a statement on Wednesday clarifying its position on the issue, the government noted that the Bakers’ Association in the state had ordered a halt to bread production due to government’s ban on motorcycles delivering bread to bandits’ enclaves.
The statement signed by Sulaiman Bala Idris, spokesperson to Governor Dauda Lawal noted that government’s decision only targets the supply chain to bandits across the state.
According to the statement, the ban on bread and fuel supply to volatile areas was implemented to disrupt the operations of bandits terrorising parts of the state.
The statement read: “The Zamfara State government would like to make a clarification concerning reports making the rounds, claiming that bakers have been banned from producing bread in the state.
“The government wants to state categorically that this is not true and that the rumours have been causing confusion and concern among residents and business owners.
“The Zamfara State government has no intention of interfering with the production or sale of bread, a staple food item in many households.
“Furthermore, we want to stress that our government is dedicated to supporting local businesses and ensuring all citizens can access essential food.
“We recognise the vital role that small businesses play in our state’s economy and we are committed to creating an enabling environment for them to thrive.
“We devised a plan to counter the bandits’ attacks, creating chaos in certain parts of the state.
“This strategy involves prohibiting the supply of bread and fuel to unstable areas to disrupt the bandits’ activities since they rely on these essential items to carry out their criminal acts.
“The Zamfara State government hopes that by implementing this ban, they can restore peace and security to the affected areas and safeguard the lives and properties of the people.
“This ban is part of a broader strategy to achieve these goals.”
