Olusegun Ariyo
The Niger State Government has imposed a curfew on commercial motorcycle operators (Okada riders) and Keke NAPEP drivers in Minna, the state capital, from 6 pm to 6 am daily.
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago announced the decision during a stakeholders’ meeting, citing the need to address insecurity in the state capital, which has resulted in the loss of lives.
According to him, “Only those on serious medical attention are exempted from the ban on Okada and Keke NAPEP movements,” as the safety of the lives of Nigerlites and those residing in the state is of great importance to his government.
The governor warned that anyone found carrying weapons would be treated as an armed robber, and any attempt to harass security personnel on duty would be viewed as an attempt to intimidate the Niger State Government.
Additionally, Bago directed security agencies to arrest individuals with dreadlocks, have their hair barbed, and impose fines as a deterrent.
He also advised parents to caution their children against violating the order, as anyone caught would face the full force of the law.
The government maintained that under the current directive, “it is going to be 100 per cent enforcement that is fire for fire as enough is enough.”
