Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has explained that the recent curfew imposed on the movement of motorcycles and tricycles in Minna is a proactive step to stem rising violence and insecurity in the state capital.
On Tuesday, the governor declared a nighttime curfew for motorcycle and tricycle riders within the city.
On Wednesday, through a statement from her Special Adviser for Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, Bago clarified that this action was not intended as punishment for law-abiding citizens; rather, it was an urgent step aimed at curbing the escalating violence within the city.
He pointed out that recently Minna has seen disturbing acts of violence occur, leading to multiple fatalities, which are mostly blamed on criminals’ actions.
Bago stressed that the curfew is not intended to penalize law-abiding citizens but aims to hinder criminals who use motorcycles and tricycles, commonly referred to as keke NAPEP, for illegal activities and to avoid being caught by authorities.
“The government of Niger State has assured residents that the newly introduced curfew for motorcycles and tricycles does not aim to penalize those who follow the rules. Instead, it represents an immediate step taken to tackle escalating security issues affecting certain areas within the city,” according to the official statement.
As stated by the governor, the criminal individuals, typically ranging from 13 to 22 years old, function akin to cult organizations.
They leverage the agility provided by motorcycles and tricycles to quickly navigate through various sections of Minna, carrying out criminal activities and evading police pursuit.
If these young men remain unrestricted, they could engage in criminal acts in one section of the city and then quickly slip away to another area within minutes,” Bago explained. “Their fast movement complicates arrest efforts and facilitates the quick expansion of their illicit activities.
He stressed that while the restriction may inconvenience residents and disrupt local commerce, it is a necessary sacrifice to restore peace and safeguard lives and property.
“The safety of lives and property remains the topmost priority of this administration,” he affirmed.
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