TheCable

Aminu Tambuwal, governor of Sokoto, has signed a new executive order announcing fresh restrictions in the state as part of efforts to address insecurity.

The governor’s decision was conveyed in a statement issued on Wednesday by Isah Galadanci, Sokoto commissioner for information.

According to the new directive, the governor has banned the transportation of cattle in trucks and lorries across 14 LGAs, while sale of all livestock has been suspended in markets across 12 lGAs.

“The Order takes effect immediately today, September 1, 2021 and directs as follows: 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,” the order reads.

“Lorries/Trucks or other vehicles carrying firewood from the forests are hereby prohibited. 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 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.”

The order also prohibits the carrying of three persons on motorcycles and more than three passengers on a tricycle across the state, while 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 has been banned.

Commercial tricycles and motorcycles have been prohibited from operating between 10pm and 6am in the state capital, and 6pm to 6am in Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Gwadabawa, Illela, Isa, Kebbe, Sabon Birni, Shagari, Rabah, Tambuwal Tangaz, Tureta and Wurno LGAs.

“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, Ilela, Isa, Kebbe, Sabon Birni, Shagari, Rabah, Tambuwal, Tangaza, Tureta and Wurno Local Governments Areas,” it reads.

“Only authorised essential workers (health personnel, security personnel
and journalists) could use tricycles and motorcycles beyond the banned
periods.”

The governor urged residents of the state “to adhere to the provisions of the order”, adding that it was “passed after wide consultation with all stakeholders and constituted authorities as well security and law enforcement agencies”.

“The Government has taken the measure out of 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,” Galadanci added.