•Urges public to comply
From John Adams, Minna
The Niger State government has clarified that the restrictions imposed on commercial motorcycles and tricycles in Minna, the state capital, was not to punish law-abiding citizens but a proactive and urgent measure to address the growing insecurity that has afflicted parts of the state capital in recent days.
The state government, in a statement on Wednesday released by the special adviser to the governor on print media, Aisha Wakaso, said Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago was aware of the challenges this temporary measure may pose to hardworking Nigelites who go about their businesses legitimately.
The government, worried by the increasing cases of killings by some elements disguised as thugs in the night, announced restrictions on commercial motorcycles and tricycles from 6:00pm to 6:00am, with effect from Tuesday, April 22.
The government pointed out that the safety of lives and properties was the topmost priority of the administration, hence, the hard but necessary decision.
“Over the past six days, we have witnessed disturbing incidents of violence, with several lives lost to attacks by miscreants operating in a manner akin to mini cult groups,” the statement said.
Furthermore, the groups, made up of young boys between the ages of 13 and 22, have exploited the ease of movement provided by motorcycles and tricycles to commit crimes across various parts of Minna and evade arrest.
“If these boys are not restricted, they can carry out criminal activities in one part of town and vanish into another within minutes. Their swift mobility not only makes arrests difficult but also enables the rapid spread of their operations.
“It is in a bid to disrupt these activities that the state government has imposed the curfew. While we understand that this will affect movement and commerce, it is a necessary sacrifice to restore sanity and protect the lives of our people”, Wakaso said.
The government disclosed that it has also observed a disturbing trend among these groups where a distinct hairstyle appears to be evolving into a form of group identity, adding that, “Many of them wear dreadlocks in front while the back of the head is shaved. This style has increasingly become associated with members of these disruptive groups.”
Security agencies have been urged to closely monitor individuals with this distinct look, stressing that “this is not a blanket criminalization of hairstyles, but a preventive measure informed by intelligence and ongoing trends. “
The statement appealed to all citizens of the state to understand and support these efforts, insisting that it is not a punitive action; rather, it is a step taken to protect lives and maintain order, as no responsible government would fold its arms and watch criminal elements taking over the state.