BY KENNETH EZE
The government of Katsina State swung into emergency mode, Tuesday, closing several intra-state roads, diverting traffic, suspending sale of animals and restricting inter-state sale/movement of cattle in the bid to curtail insecurity.
Governor Aminu Masari issued the directive on Monday in an order titled, “Katsina State Government, Nigeria, security challenges (Containment order)”, issued on Monday.
With the order, the state closed Jibia-Gurbin-Baure road to all motorists effective Tuesday, August 31, 2021.
It has also closed Kankara-Sheme road to commercial vehicles.
Motorists plying the roads were advised to use Funtua road as an alternative route.
The government also announced other measures for the containment of criminal activities, including the suspension of sales of animals at markets in fourteen Local Government Areas of the state.
The government directive announced a “ban on transportation of cattle trucks from Katsina state to any state in Nigeria.”
Lorries/trucks from carrying firewood from the bush, have also been banned.
The councils affected by the ban on sale of animals comprise Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Kankara, Malumfashi, Charanchi, Mai’adua, Kafur, Faskari, Sabuwa, Baure, Dutsin-ma, and Kaita.
Similarly, the government announced that only two designated fuel stations would be allowed to sell fuel of not more than N5,000 to motorists in each of the following fourteen councils – Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Kankara, Faskari, Sabuwa, Dandume, Musawa, Matazu, Dutsin-ma, Kurfi, Danja and Kafur.
It further reinforced the ban on the sale of fuel in Jerry cans throughout the state.
By the order, the operation of commercial motorcycles and tricycles were likewise restricted from 10pm to 6am in Katsina, the state capital, while it would be from 6pm to 6am in, what the statement described as “all the Frontline Local Government Areas.”
However, workers who fall under essential services including identified journalists and health personnel would however be allowed to use either the motorcycle or tricycle anytime.
The government directed that commercial motorcycles should not carry more than one passenger at a time while tricycles should not carry more than three passengers.
In addition, it announced a ban on sale of second-hand motorcycles at Charanchi market.
