Niger govt announces ban on sale of motorcycles

Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, has banned the sale of motorcycles across the state.

This was announced in a statement issued by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, on Saturday.

According to Matane, the governor gave the directive following the security challenges in parts of the state.

The SSG explained, “The State Government rolled out this additional measure which is aimed at eradicating the activities of criminals and the unleashing of mayhem by bandits and kidnappers on innocent citizens in the State.

“Government has condemned in strong terms the degree of carnage and pandemonium bandits and kidnappers are causing to some parts of the State and reiterates its continued determination to rid the State of any security threat.”

Matane stated that government is aware of the inconveniences the measure would cause the people, but noted the decision was taken in the overall interest of the State.

The statement appealed to the dealers of motorcycles across the State to cooperate with the directive.

It also appealed to the people of the State to cooperate with the security agencies on the security measures being put in place, adding that, ” it is for the benefit of all and sundry to put an end to the activities of some criminal elements”.

Furthermore, the statement reaffirmed that the activities of commercial motorcycle riders popularly known as Okada or Kabu-kabu and operation of illegal garages remained banned in Minna metropolis and environs.

It would be recalled that the state government had earlier restricted the movements of all motorcycles from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am and the restriction order is still in force.