Kaduna suspends weekly markets in five LGAs over insecurity

The Kaduna government has suspended weekly markets in five LGAs due to the security situation in the state.

The LGAs affected by the suspension are Birnin Gwari, Chikun, Giwa, Igabi and Kajuru council areas.

The state government also prohibited the sale of petroleum in jerrycans within and outside the premises of filling stations in the five LGAs.

The new directive was announced on Monday in a statement issued by Samuel Aruwan, commissioner for internal security and home affairs, in Kaduna.

The commissioner said the decision was taken following a thorough review of the security situation in the listed areas, adding that security personnel have been directed to ensure compliance.

“After a thorough review of the security situation and recommendations put forward by the security agencies, the Kaduna State Government wishes to announce the suspension of all weekly markets in Birnin Gwari, Igabi, Giwa, Chikun and Kajuru local government areas with immediate effect,” the statement reads.

“The government has also banned the selling of petrol in jerrycans within and outside premises of petrol stations in the five local government areas listed, with immediate effect.

“Security personnel have been directed to ensure compliance with these directives.”

Aruwan added that the Kaduna security operations room remains open for receiving useful information on the following lines: 09034000060 and 08170189999.

In recent months, Kaduna has been a hotspot for suspected bandits, with the five LGAs — Birnin Gwari, Chikun, Giwa, Igabi and Kajuru — being some of the worst-hit areas.

According to the state government, between April 1 and June 30, 2021, at least 222 people were killed, while 774 others were kidnapped in Kaduna.