Following the incessant security challenges in some parts of Niger State, coupled with the demands of motorcycles as ransom by bandits and kidnappers, the state governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has directed the immediate ban on the sales of motorcycles across the state.
A statement issued by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane revealed that the types of motorcycles affected by the ban included any motorcycles such as Bajaj, Boxer, Qiujeng, Honda ACE and Jincheng, among others, with engine capacity from 185 cubic centimetres and above, and they would remain banned from being sold to the public.
The SSG further explained that the state government rolled out this additional measure which was aimed at eradicating the activities of criminals and the unleashing of mayhem by bandits and kidnappers on innocent citizens in the state.
He stated that the government condemned in strong terms the degree of carnage and pandemonium bandits and kidnappers were causing in some parts of the state and reiterated its continued determination to rid the state of any security threat.
According to the SSG “government is aware of the inconveniences the measure would cause the people, but the decision was taken in the overall interest of the state and appealed to the dealers of motorcycles across the state to cooperate with the directive.”
Matane appealed to the people in the state to cooperate with the security agencies on the security measures being put in place to put an end to the activities of some criminal elements, as it was for the benefit of all and sundry.
The SSG disclosed that Government had also ordered security agencies in the state to ensure effective and strict compliance/enforcement of this directive.
In the same vein, the SSG reaffirmed that the activities of commercial motorcycle riders popularly known as Okada or Kabu-kabu and operation of illegal garages remained banned in Minna metropolis and environs.
It will be recalled that the state government had earlier restricted the movements of all motorcycles from 6pm to 6am and the restriction order was still in force.
