From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State has approved an Executive Order in response to the prevailing insecurity in the state, occasioned by armed banditry which has led to huge loss of lives and properties, undermining free movement of people, goods and services in the affected areas.
The governor is in the exercise of powers conferred upon him by Subsection (2) of Section 176 of the nation Constitution of the year 1999, to issue the order to be known as: ‘Security Challenges (Containment) Order.’
The governor said the Order takes effect immediately on September 1 this year.
He directed for the immediate total closure of Isa Marnona Road to all motorists until further notice.
Travelers plying the road are advised to go through Goronyo-Sabon Birni axis.
Tambuwal stated this while briefing newsmen at the State Chamber, Government House, Sokoto.
He also directed lorries/trucks or other vehicles carrying firewood from the forests prohibited.
The governor, who was represented by the state Commissioner of Information, Alhaji Isa Bajini Galadanchi further announced the suspension of the sale of all animals at the markets of Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Ilela, Isa, Kebbe, Sabon Birni, Shagari, Rabah, Tambuwal, Tangaza, Tureta and Wurno Local Government Areas.
Other decision revealed by the governor include the prohibition of transportation of cattle using trucks/lorries in Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Illela, Isa, Kebbe, Sabon Birni, Shagari, Rabah Tambuwal Tangaza, Tureta and Wurno Local Government Areas.
According to him, carrying three persons on motorcycles and more than three passengers on a tricycle throughout the state is also prohibited.
Similarly, the governor also mentioned that the sale of second-hand motorcycles at Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Ilela, Isa, Kebbe , Sabon Birni, Shagari, Rabah Tambuwal, Tangaza, Tureta, Achida, Gande, Gwadabawa and Wurno markets is prohibited.
He has also announced prohibition of operation of commercial tricycles and motorcycles from 10:00pm to 6:00am in the state capital, and 6:00pm to 6:00am in Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Gwadabawa, Illela, Isa, Kebbe, Sabon Birni, Shagari, Rabah, Tambuwal, Tangaza, Tureta and Wurno Local Government Areas.
He said this is in addition to prohibition of the sale of petrol in jerry cans at filling stations, adding that only designated filling stations are allowed to sell petrol and diesel of not more than N5,000 to motorists in Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Ilela, Isa, Kebbe, Sabon Birni, Shagari, Rabah, Tambuwal, Tangaza, Tureta and Wurno Local Governments Areas.
He said: “Only authorized essential workers (health personnel, security personnel and journalists) could use tricycles and motorcycles beyond the banned periods.”
The governor urged the people of the state to adhere to the provisions of the order, which is passed after wide consultation with all stakeholders and constituted authorities as well as security and law enforcement agencies.
He assured that the measures were taken out of the need to introduce additional countervailing measures in the affected areas in order to contain the banditry and mitigate the damages it is causing to social and economic activities and preserve peace.
