By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State Government has reiterated its commitment to the protection of the life and asset of every person in the state, saying that the commitment has resulted in the state’s emergence in the last few years as the safest and most peaceful state both in Nigeria and in West Africa.

A statement on Friday by the state Commissioner for Information & Public Enlightenment. Mr. C Don Adinuba, said that the restriction on the movement of motorcycles which comes into force from today, December 4, 2020, will be enforced strictly.

He said the enforcement which applies to both commercial and non-commercial motorcycles will be led by the Nigeria Police Force, youth groups in every community working in conjunction with the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG).

According to him, most crimes in the state take place between 9pm and 6am, hence the ban of motorcycle movement from 6am-9pm.

He maintained that the period allowed for motorcycle movement in other parts of the state is appropriate for people doing legitimate businesses, noting that the total ban on use of motorcycles in Onitsha and Awka since 2018 remains in force.

The statement partly reads: “Following a series of security and intelligence reports which have dispassionately been analysed, the Anambra State Government hereby announces a restriction of movement of all types of motorcycles in all parts of the state. Motorcycles can operate from 6am to 9pm.

“This restriction applies to commercial and noncommercial motorcycles.

“In consideration of the above, the Anambra State Government cannot allow tiny groups of criminally minded elements to carry out their plans to unleash mayhem in the state in the months of December and January, and use motorcycles to carry out the nefarious activity. It is regrettable that most of the violent crimes which occurred in the state in recent times like clashes by cult groups were perpetrated by persons using motorcycles.

“All community leaders like Traditional Rulers and Presidents General of Town Unions are directed to ensure the success of the new measure to safeguard the life and property of every Anambra person. Indeed, every onye Anambra has a duty to ensure that the 2020 Christmas Season and the New Year are celebrated without any incidents, as has been the case in recent years in the state.”

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