Benue bans motorcycles, illegal revenue points in two councils

By : Joseph Wantu, Makurdi

Date: 30 December 2020 5:19am WAT

People on motorcycles temperature are measured at a border between Abuja and the Nasarawa State on March 30, 2020, as they leave to neighbouring states after Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari called for a lockdown to limit the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. - Over 20 million Nigerians on Monday scrambled to prepare for lockdown in sub-Saharan Africa's biggest city Lagos and the capital Abuja, as the continent struggled to curb the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered a two-week "cessation of all movements" in the key cities from 2200 GMT in a bid to ward off an explosion of cases in Africa's most populous country. (Photo by Kola SULAIMON / AFP)

Benue State Security Council has banned the use of motorcycles and illegal collection of in Katsina-Ala and Ukum councils till further notice. It also banned illegal revenue collection points and makeshift shops in the areas.

The decision came after the council had reviewed the security situation in Katsina-Ala and parts of Sankera.

In a statement yesterday, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Internal Affairs and Special Services, Uyina Matthew, warned that no other revenue point would be allowed within the councils, except the one at the bridgehead in Katsina-Ala.

According to the statement, only tricycles and other means of transportation, apart from motorcycles, will be allowed in the two councils.
Consequently, security operatives have been mandated to arrest defaulters and impound their motorcycles.

Other measures handed down by the council to ensure security, law and order in the area include: “All staff of the Board of Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) are required to wear identity cards and customised jackets.

“Security agents are mandated to dismantle all illegal revenue collection points and makeshift shops. In the same vein, loitering at Katsina-Ala bridgehead is prohibited.

“Loading and offloading of vehicles at Takum Junction and Katsina-Ala bridgehead have also been prohibited.” The security council advised residents of the affected councils to go about with their normal activities without fear of molestation.