How Gov Matawalle Wants To Fight Bandits With Petrol, Markets In Zamfara

The Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle has initiated new set of measures targeted at tackling the growing activities of bandits in the state.

Naija News reports that prominent among tese measures is the restriction of fuel sales to the state capital and the headquarters of the local government areas of the state.

He made the announcement via a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment, Media and Communications, Zailani Bappa.

According to the statement, “Henceforth, all filling stations in the state are banned from selling fuel except in Gusau and the 14 local Government headquarters.

“In addition, no eligible filling station is allowed to sell fuel of more than N10,000 to a single customer.

“Similarly, the sale of fuel in jerry cans is disallowed in all filling stations while roadside purchase (popularly known as black market) is entirely banned.”

Matawalle also announced the suspension of all weekly markets across the state, stating that normal market activities of buying and selling for local consumptions were exempted from the ban.

He similarly suspended the transportation of livestock to and from the state, saying the transportation of food across the state and outside Zamfara must be verified.

The Governor stressed that the destination of the food must be authenticated otherwise, it would be seized and taken to the orphanage.

“The new rules further include the banning of riding on motorcycles and tricycles from 6pm to 6am in the state, except the state capital which starts from 8pm to 6am every day,” the statement added.

“Furthermore, any tricycle that is covered will be stopped to verify its passengers, otherwise will be apprehended.

“Governor Matawalle reiterated the ban on more than two persons riding a motorcycle and warned that those who break the law stand the risk of being shot at by security operatives.”

The statement urged people of the state to comply with the measures to avoid unfortunate incidents, saying security operatives would be empowered to treat offenders as suspected bandits.

According to Matawalle, the government will set up a committee to ensure compliance in its bid to bring sanity to the communities.