The Niger State Government has imposed a ban on commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations in Minna, the state capital, from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., in a decisive move to tackle rising insecurity.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Mr. Bologi Ibrahim, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Mohammed Bago, on Tuesday in Minna.
Governor Bago said the curfew was necessary to curb the growing wave of criminal activities in the metropolis.
“I will not stay back and watch criminals continue to perpetrate evil,” he declared. “It is the responsibility of every government to ensure the security of lives and property of its citizenry.”
The governor also issued a stern warning to traditional authorities including District, Village, and Ward Heads, urging them to maintain proper documentation of people living in their communities.
“Henceforth, any house found to be harbouring criminals will be demolished, while buildings where hard drugs are sold will go down too,” he warned.
Bago charged all security operatives in the state to intensify efforts in clamping down on criminals, their hideouts, and cartels. He further advised parents to caution their children against getting involved in violence or criminal activities.
“Anyone caught in any violent related activity will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” he added.
Describing governance as a collective responsibility, the governor called on all stakeholders to join hands in addressing the security challenges facing the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the announcement followed a high-level security meeting convened by the governor with traditional title holders from the Minna Emirate and heads of security agencies.
