The authority of Lafia Local Government Council, the capital of Nasarawa State has imposed a dusk-to-dawn restriction on private and commercial motorcycle riders from 6 pm to 6 am, while tricycle riders are to operate from 8 pm to 6 am in the metropolis accordingly.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Lafia, after an expanded emergency security meeting, a copy of which BusinessDay had, said, the action was aimed at forestalling further security breaches in the locality.
Aminu Mu’azu Maifata, the Executive Chairman of the council, presided over the security meeting, with the title “security measures to ensure public safety in Lafia Local Government”.
Business Day reports that, recently, there has been a spate of insecurity in Lafia and its environs, especially at night which heightened tension and palpable fears among residents.
The rising activities of Kidnappers, car theft motorcycle snatchers and other crimes, such as phone and bag snatchers are reasons for the stringent action, as such tendencies lately become worrisome to the people.
Our correspondent gathered that there are instances, where some Okada riders were badly injured while engaging their passengers in a fight, while others were seen dead on the road And in most cases, for those found in cold blood, their bikes and other valuables are carted away.
This is just as the number of stolen cars within the period under review is many, while over 15 persons were separately kidnapped for ransom, BusinessDay revealed.
According to the statement, the Council has approved the dusk-to-dawn restriction order to take immediate effect from today (Monday) and stressed subsequent review of the security situation in the area and state as a whole.
He added that the development was part of the outcome of an emergency security meeting he held with critical stakeholders, including heads of security agencies, towards finding a lasting solution to the Council’s security issue in recent times.
The statement reads in part: “Due to the current security situation in Lafia Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, the Executive Chairman, 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮 𝐌𝐮𝐚𝐳𝐮 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐚, has convened an expanded security council meeting. The meeting held on Monday at the Lafia Local Government Council office resulted in the following resolutions: restriction of motorcycle movement from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and restriction of tricycle movement from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
“These restrictions take effect from Monday, 3rd June 2024,” the statement said.
It therefore, called for the cooperation of members of the public and other stakeholders to comply with the directive, saying “security agencies have been directed to ensure total compliance.”
The statement, however, urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and the residents to monitor the influx of people entering Lafia and to report suspicious individuals to security agencies for prompt action.
He warned that anyone caught to have breached the restriction order would face the full wrath of the law.
“Please take note and ensure total compliance to ensure the security of lives and properties, contributing to the progress and development of Nasarawa State”, it said.