By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Following the incessant security challenges in some parts of Niger State and coupled with the demands of motorcycles as ransom by bandits and kidnappers, the State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, has directed the immediate ban on the sale of motorcycles across the state.

A statement issued on Saturday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, said the category of motorcycles affected by the ban include any motorcycles (Bajaj, Boxer, Qiujeng, Honda ACE, Jingchen, etc) with engine capacity from 185 Cubic Centimetres and above.

The SSG explained that “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.”

“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 reiterated its continued determination to rid the state of any security threat.

“Government is aware of the inconveniences the measure would cause the people, but the decision was taken in the overall interest of the State and appealed to the dealers of motorcycles across the State to cooperate with the directive,” the SSG stated.

Mr Matane appealed to the people of the state to cooperate with the security agencies on the security measures being put in place to put an end to the activities of some criminal elements, as it is for the benefit of all and sundry.

He said that government has also ordered security agencies in the state to ensure effective and strict compliance/enforcement of this directive.

The SSG has 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.

The State Government had earlier restricted the movements of all motorcycles from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. and the restriction order is still enforced.