Benue Imposes Curfew On 2 LGAs To Curb Banditry, Armed Robbery

Benue State has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Katsina-Ala and Ukum Local Government Areas of Sankera axis in the state in order to checkmate banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery which has been on the rise in the areas.
Recall that the Benue State Security Council had earlier in December banned motorcycles in the LGAs. However, tricycles, and other means of transportation are allowed.
The Deputy Governor, Benson Abounu who made the curfew announcement on Wednesday said it has taken effect on Wednesday 13th January, and will be effective from 8:00 pm to 6:00 a.m. daily. He explained that the State Security Council resolved to sustain the ban on the use of motorcycles in the area known as Sankera political axis pending further review of the security situation in the volatile area.
According to him, the movement of patients and pregnant women among other very necessary cases for medical attention using motorcycles where there is no vehicular presence would be allowed after a thorough investigation.
He added that the council observed that motorcycle operators had migrated from areas affected by the ban to neighbouring rural communities where they were causing mayhem and urged security agents to intensify surveillance in those areas.
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He said that the decision to ban the use of motorcycles in Sankera axis of the state followed heinous attacks on residences in Ukum and Katsina-Ala which resulted in the death of many. Abounu then warned that anybody found violating the order or riding motorcycles which remain banned in the area, would face dire consequences.

Photos Credit: Getty