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Regional News of Thursday, 3 June 2021

Source: www.thisdaylive.com

Niger bans commercial motorcycles

The photo used to illustrate the story The photo used to illustrate the story

The Niger State Government has banned the operations of commercial motorcyclists in the state, even as the government also places restriction on the use of private motorcycles.

The government action, which came almost three months after a similar order which was not enforced was imposed, came on the heels of the abduction of over 100 school girls from the Salihu Tanko Islamiyya School in Tegina Rafi Local Government Area and the increasing activities of bandits who use motorcycles for their operations in several parts of the state.

The state government said private motorcycles would only be allowed to operate between 6a.m. and 9p.m. daily effectively from today.

Giving an update on government efforts to secure the release of the abducted girls in Minna yesterday during which the ban was announced, the state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso, said measures “are being put in place for the safe release of the abductees,” adding that “efforts are also being made to identify the bandits.

“Niger State Government is negotiating the release of the abductees, and we are confident that in no distant time, the children will be united with their parents.

“The government is in touch with some of the parents of the kidnapped children; they have been assured of the safe return of their wards.”

He appealed to all residents in the state to come forward with useful information on the activities of bandits in their areas to the nearest security agency.

The deputy governor said the government would continue to support the security agencies in the state with needed logistics to enable them secure the state, pointing out that so far, 89 operational vehicles, 283 operational motor cycles, 30 bicycles, four tri-cycles in addition to funding the various security operations in the state have been given to the security agencies.