The Kaduna State police command has  said the state government’s directive banning the movement of heavy-duty trucks within the metropolitan areas is still in force.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, stated in a statement on Sunday in Kaduna.

Mr Hassan said, “The command has observed with dismay that some truck drivers are flagrantly violating this directive by entering the metropolis instead of using the approved bypass routes.

“It  has also been observed that when such drivers are challenged by the task force responsible for enforcing the ban, some of them resort to blocking major roads, thereby halting vehicular movement, creating public inconvenience, tension and a potential breakdown of law and order.

“The command hereby warns heavy-duty truck drivers to desist from such unlawful acts. Any driver with grievances or complaints is advised to channel same through the appropriate authorities or police rather than engaging in actions capable of disrupting public peace in the state.

“We appeal and hope to collaborate with transport union leaders and others to sensitize the drivers to the need to be law abiding to find the lasting solution to this problem.”

Mr Hassan stated that the command made it clear that any act of road obstruction, defiance of lawful directives or conduct capable of causing a breach of public peace would not be tolerated.

He said that offenders would be arrested and dealt with in accordance with the law.

Mr Hassan added that the command remained committed to enforcing the rule of law and ensuring the free flow of traffic, public safety and order across the state.

(NAN)