The Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has announced a downward review of the curfew earlier imposed on the movement of motorcycles and tricycles within Minna, the state capital. This was contained in a statement released on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Bologi, who disclosed that the new restriction period will now run from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily.
Governor Bago had on April 29 signed an executive order imposing a 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew on commercial tricycles, popularly known as Keke NAPEP, and motorcycles. The decision, according to the governor, was taken as a direct response to rising incidents of crime in the metropolis. He noted that criminal elements had increasingly resorted to using these modes of transportation to carry out armed robberies and other violent acts against innocent residents, often wielding dangerous weapons such as guns, knives, and daggers.
The latest adjustment in curfew hours, Bago said, follows recent security intelligence and recommendations from the state’s security committee, which has been closely monitoring the situation since the initial restriction was enforced. He assured citizens that his administration remains committed to working with security agencies to assess ongoing developments and will not hesitate to make further changes when necessary.
He appealed to the public to continue supporting government efforts by obeying security directives, emphasizing that the wellbeing and safety of the people remain paramount to his administration.
It will be recalled that on April 23, Governor Bago first announced a 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. restriction on the use of motorcycles and tricycles in response to a surge in youth violence and thuggery within Minna and its environs. The move was described as a proactive strategy aimed at curbing insecurity and protecting lives and property.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the recent curfew review is part of a broader effort by the Niger State Government to balance public safety with the need to support economic activities, especially for residents who rely on motorcycles and tricycles for daily income.
