From Maiharaji Altine Gusau
Considering the increasing rates of banditry and other criminal activities, Governor Bello Matawallen of Zamfara state has come up with new measures aimed at curtailing the growing activities of bandits in the state.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Givernor on Public Enlightenment, Media and Communications, Alhaji Zailani Bappa and made available to newsmen this Friday night.
The statement said, “Henceforth, all filling stations in the state are banned from selling fuel except in Gusau and the 14 local Government headquarters”.
“In addition, no eligible filling station is allowed to sell fuel of more that N10,000 to a single customer”.
“Similarly, the sale of fuel in jerry cans is disallowed in all filling stations while roadside purchase (popularly known as black market) is entirely banned”.
Governor Matawalle further announced that all weekly markets across the state have been suspended but normal market activities of buying and selling for local consumptions are exempted from the ban.
The Government further ordered that the transportation of livestock to and from the State is henceforth suspended while the transportation of food across the state and outside the state must be verified to authenticate its destination otherwise will be seized and taken to the orphanage.
The new rules further include the banning of riding on motorcycles and tricycles from 6pm to 6am in the state except the state capital which starts by 8pm to 6am everyday. Furthermore, any tricycle that is covered will be stopped to verify its passengers, otherwise will be apprehended.
Governor Matawalle reiterated the ban on more than two persons riding a motorcycle and warned that those who break the law stood the risk of being shot at by security operatives.
”The Governor called on all citizens in the state to observe these rules to avoid unfortunate incidents as the security operatives will be empowered to treat offenders as suspected bandits.He said a committee will be constituted to ensure compliance to ensure added sanity in our communities’.
