The Zamfara State government has issued a statement dispelling rumors of a statewide ban on bread production. The clarification comes after the Bakers’ Association in the state announced a halt in production due to a government ban on motorcycles delivering bread to bandit enclaves.
Sulaiman Bala Idris, spokesperson to Governor Dauda Lawal, emphasised that the government’s decision solely targets the supply chain utilised by bandits across the state. The ban on bread and fuel supply, he explained, is implemented only in volatile areas frequented by bandits, aiming to disrupt their operations and restore peace.
“The Zamfara State government would like to make a clarification concerning reports making the rounds, claiming that bakers have been banned from producing bread in the state,” read part of the statement, signed by Idris. “The government wants to state categorically that this is not true and that the rumours have been causing confusion and concern among residents and business owners.”
The statement reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting local businesses and ensuring access to essential food items like bread. “We recognise the vital role that small businesses play in our state’s economy and we are committed to creating an enabling environment for them to thrive,” the statement added.
The targeted ban on bread and fuel supply, according to the statement, stems from the government’s broader strategy to combat banditry in the state. By restricting access to essential supplies, the government hopes to hinder the bandits’ activities and ultimately restore peace and security to affected areas.
“We devised a plan to counter the bandits’ attacks, creating chaos in certain parts of the state. This strategy involves prohibiting the supply of bread and fuel to unstable areas to disrupt the bandits’ activities since they rely on these essential items to carry out their criminal acts,” the statement concluded. “The Zamfara State government hopes that by implementing this ban, they can restore peace and security to the affected areas and safeguard the lives and properties of the people. This ban is part of a broader strategy to achieve these goals.”
