Niger state bans weekly cattle markets to checkmate insecurity

Niger state government in North central Nigeria, has closed down weekly cattle markets activities as part of measures outlined to address security challenges across the state.

A statement by the Secretary to the state government Ibrahim Matane made available to Voice of Nigeria, said the decision was taken in the overall interest of the State.

Matane said that the security agencies have been directed to ensure effective and strict compliance/enforcement of these measures which comes into effect on September 1st, 2021.

The directives states that:

“All weekly cattle markets across the State are hereby suspended.

“Any vehicle carrying cattle into the State must show way-bill and evidence of the origin where the cattle were purchased and their destination,

“Sale of petroleum products in jerry cans or any other containers at filling stations in the State is hereby banned.

“All filling stations should not sell petrol of more than N10,000 to each vehicle at a time and should be wary of vehicles or motorcycles coming for repeat purchases,

“Suspension of the operation of trucks carrying firewood/timber across the State

“All motorcycles are only allowed to operate from 6:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m across the State” the statement concluded.

Matane further stated that the Niger state government has also condemned in strong terms the degree of carnage and mayhem Bandits and Kidnappers are causing to some parts of the State and reiterated it’s continued determination to rid the State of any security threat.

Matane however appealed to the people of the State to be very vigilant, security conscious and report all suspicious characters, movements or objects to security agents.

“Security is everybody’s business, all hands must be on deck in complementing government’s efforts towards safeguarding lives and property of citizens” Matane said.

Emmanuel Ukoh