By 
Abiodun OBA
The Niger State Government has outlawed the sale of Bajaj, Boxer, Qiujeng, Honda ACE, Jingchen motorcycles and those which engine capacities are 185 cubic centimetres (cc) and above throughout the state with immediate effect.
The ban contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, said: “Government rolled out this additional measure which is aimed at eradicating the activities of criminals and the unleashing of mayhem by bandits and kidnappers on innocent citizens in the state.”
The government condemned “in strong terms the degree of carnage and pandemonium bandits and kidnappers are causing to some parts of the state” and reiterated its continued determination to rid the state of any security threat.
“Government is aware of the inconveniences the measure would cause the people, but the decision was taken in the overall interest of the state” and therefore appealed to the dealers of motorcycles across the state to cooperate with the directive.
He also appealed to the people of the state to cooperate with the security agencies on the security measures being put in place, so as to put an end to the activities of some criminal elements as it is for the benefit of all and sundry.
Matane said the government has also ordered security agencies in the state to ensure effective and strict compliance/enforcement of this directive.
The state government had earlier in the year restricted the movements of all motorcycles from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am and the restriction order is still in force.
The government statement on Saturday in Minna, reiterated its policy banning the use of motorcycles for commercial purposes and the operation of illegal garages and motor parks in Minna metropolis and environs.
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