Nigerian state shuts roads to restore law and order

By Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu

KANO, Nigeria (AA) – To stem the rising cases of banditry and control law and order in Nigeria’s northwestern Katsina, the home state of President Muhammadu Buhari, the government has closed major highways to all motorists effective Aug. 31.

According to a notification by Katsina state governor Aminu Masari, Jibia-Gurbin-Baure road has been closed to all motorists, while Kankara-Sheme road has been closed to commercial vehicles. Motorists plying the roads have been advised to use Funtua road as an alternative route.

The government also suspended sale and transportation of animals in 14 local government councils of the state – Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Kankara, Malumfashi, Charanchi, Mai’adua, Kafur, Faskari, Sabuwa, Baure, Dutsin-ma, and Kaita.

Only two designated fuel stations have been allowed to sell fuel.

The operation of commercial motorcycles and tricycles was also restricted from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the state capital, and from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in all the frontline local government areas. It has also banned lorries/trucks from carrying firewood from the bush.

Created in 1987 and bordering Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano, and Jigawa states, Katsina state is facing rising banditry and kidnapping cases. In 2020, over 300 children were kidnapped by terrorists in the town of Kankara.