James Danjuma, Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, has ordered the reopening of petrol stations and cattle markets that were closed last year in some parts of the state.
The closure was part of a Security Challenges Containment Order issued by the state government to check the supply of fuel to bandits and the transactions on rustled animals.
In a statement signed by Abdullahi Aliyu Yar’adua, Director of Press to Secretary to the Government of Katsina State (SGS), however, warned the two emirates in the state to check their subject from “acts of connivance”.
“His Excellency the Governor of Katsina State Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, CFR, has approved for the immediate reopening of all filling stations and cattle markets earlier closed down on account of cattle rustling and armed banditry in the state.
“Governor Aminu Masari however instructed the two Emirate Councils in the state to admonish District and Village Heads of the affected areas to be vigilant and ensure that no act of connivance by Sarakunan Fawa and others is allowed.
“A statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa warned that Government would not hesitate to re-enact the closure where a resurgence of any dubious activity is noticed.”
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Meanwhile, Governor Aminu Masari, had last year issued an order to shut down the activities of the livestock markets due to increased insecurity in parts of Katsina State.
The governor also in his order immediately directed all motorists from plying certain highways where bandits meted inhuman treatments to their victims.
Masari outlining the local governments in the state with escalated attacks of criminals and bandits advised travelers and motorists to take the route of Funtua.
In a press release of the Security Challenges (containment) order personally signed by the governor and made available to newsmen, he re-enforced the ban on sales of petrol in jerricans by filling stations and tricycles from conveying more than two passengers in transit.
“In the exercise of powers conferred on me by the subsection (2) of section 176 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and all other powers enabling me on that behalf, I, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, the Governor of Katsina State do hereby make the following.
“Immediate total closure of Jibia-Gurbin Baure road to all motorists until further notice.
“Immediate closure of Kankara-Sheme roads to all commercial vehicles. Only private noncommercial vehicles are to ply the road.
“Travelers plying those roads are advised to go through Funtua”.
He further said, “Suspension of the sale of all animals at the markets of the following LGAs, Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Kankara, Malumfashi, Charanchi, Mai’Adua, Kafur, Faskari, Sabuwa, Baure, Dutsinma and Kaita.
“Ban transportation of cattle trucks from Katsina State to any state in Nigeria.
“Lorries/Trucks carrying firewood from the bush are totally banned.
“Ban of conveying three persons or more than three passengers on motorcycle and tricycle respectively.
“Ban on sale of second-hand motorcycles in Charanchi market.
“Re-enforcement of the ban on the sale of petrol on jerricans at filling station.
“Re-enforcement of the ban on operation of tricycle and motorcycle between 10pm to 6am in the state capital and 6pm to 6am in Frontline LGAs while identified essential workers (Health personnel, security personnel and Journalists) were exempted.
“Only 2 designated filing stations are allowed to sell fuel of not more than N5,000 to motorists in Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Kankara, Faskari, Sabuwa, Dandume, Musawa, Matazu, Dutsinma, Kurfi, Danja and Kafur LGAs,” Governor Masari however stated
