El-Rufai orders beggars off Kaduna streets after Zaria blast

Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna state, has ordered beggars and hawkers off the streets of Kaduna as a means of enhancing security in the state.

The governor said the development became necessary after the attack that killed 25 people in Zaria on Tuesday morning.

He advised those affected to comply with the directive, saying failure to do so will lead to arrest.

“The Kaduna state government has commended the people of the state for promptly embracing the crucial necessity of watchful vigilance and attention to security,” Samuel Aruwan, the governor’s spokesman, said in a statement.

“The government has also announced further measures to enhance public security in the state. All beggars and hawkers are to stay off the streets until further notice. Any beggar or hawker found on the streets will be arrested, until these measures are relaxed.

“In addition, government reiterates that the ban on motorcycle taxis (achaba) remains in force, and the law will be strictly enforced in this regard.

“The government hereby urges all citizens to report all suspicious persons and movements to the security agencies, and to afford these agencies their maximum cooperation.

“These measures take immediate effect.”