Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Northwest Nigeria, on Wednesday signed 10 executive orders as part of measures to combat both kinetic and non-kinetic security challenges in the State.
The lockdown and restrictions affects 13 of the States Local Government Areas.
The orders took effect on September 1, 2021 and contains the following;
- Immediate total closure of Isa – Marnona Road to all motorists until Further notice. Travelers plying that road are advised to go through Goronyo-Sabon Birni axis.
- Lorries/Trucks or other vehicles carrying firewood from the forests is Hereby prohibited;
- Suspension of the sale of all animals at the markets of Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Illela, Isa, Kebbe, Sabon Birni, Shagari, Rabah Tambuwal,Tangaza, Tureta and Wurno Local Governments Areas;
- 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 Governments Areas;
- Prohibition of carrying 3 persons on motorcycles and more than 3 Passengers on a tricycle throughout the State;
- Prohibition of the sale of second-hand motorcycles at Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Illela, Isa, Kebbe , Sabon Birni, Shagari, Rabah Tambuwal, Tangaza, Tureta, Achida, Gande, Gwadabawa and Wurno Markets;
- Prohibition of operation of commercial tricycles and motorcycles from 10:00 pm to 6:00 a.m in the State capital, and from 6:00 p.m 6:00 a.m in Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Gwadabawa, Ilela, Isa, Kebbe, Sabon Birni, Shagari, Rabah Tambuwal, Tangaza, Tureta and Wurno Local Governments Areas;
- Prohibition of the sale of petrol in jerrycans at filling stations;
- Only designated Filling stations are allowed to sell petrol and diesel of not more than N5,000.00 to motorists in Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Illela, Isa, Kebbe, Sabon Birni, Shagari, Rabah, Tambuwal, Tangaza, Tureta and Wurno Local Governments Areas
- Only authorized essential workers (health personnel, security personnel and Journalists) could use tricycles and motorcycles beyond the banned periods.
Tambuwal said that some parts of State has been bedeviled by insecurity as result of armed banditry which has led to huge loss of lives and properties as well as undermined free movement of people, goods and services in the affected areas.
State Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Isah Bajini, said that the orders were signed following wide consultations with all stakeholders and constituted authorities as well as security and law enforcement agencies.
“This is on the need to introduce additional countervailing measures in the affected areas in order to contain banditry and mitigate the damages it is causing to social and economic activities and preserve peace.
“Therefore, it is necessary and expedient to make an order forthwith to deal with the current security challenges without prejudice to any detailed order which may be effected in respect of any such challenges or other related challenge that will arise anytime hereafter,” he said.