By Mu’awiya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Katsina State Government has issued a new Executive Order aimed at strengthening security and protecting lives and property across the state, particularly in the ongoing fight against banditry and kidnapping.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the new directive was announced following an emergency security meeting attended by security agencies and traditional rulers and presided over by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.
According to the statement, the Executive Order bans the sale, purchase, transportation, and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans across Katsina State with immediate effect.
The measure is intended to prevent the diversion of fuel supplies to criminal elements operating in remote locations.
The government also approved the immediate closure of all Point of Sale (POS) businesses and commercial phone-charging centres in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas.
The statement explained that security assessments had revealed that such facilities were being exploited by criminal networks to facilitate their activities.
In addition, the use of motorcycles has been banned throughout Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas.
The restriction is aimed at disrupting the movement and operations of bandits and kidnappers, who often rely on motorcycles for transportation.
Governor Radda reaffirmed that the safety and security of citizens remain the highest priority of his administration and assured residents that the government would continue to work closely with security agencies to restore peace and stability across the state.
He called on residents to support security efforts by fully complying with the directives and providing useful information to security agencies whenever necessary.
He warned that the government would deal decisively with anyone found violating the new measures.
The statement added that the Katsina State Government remains committed to taking all lawful and necessary measures to ensure that communities across the state remain safe, secure, and conducive for economic and social activities.
