Zamfara Governor Bello Matawalle has announced the closure of all weekly markets in the state, among other drastic measures to cut out supply routes to bandits.

Mr Matawalle said this is part of the measures to address the worsening security situation in the state.

The announcement comes after 18 kidnapped students of the State’s College of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Bakura, were received by the governor.

The students were abducted by bandits who invaded their institution on August 16.

Mr Matawalle also banned the sale of petrol in jerry cans as part of the measures to stop supplying fuel to the bandits.

“Filling stations in the state should also sell only N10,000 fuel to each vehicle and should be vigilant of vehicles or motorcycles coming for repeat purchases immediately.

“No commercial motorcycle riders are allowed to carry three persons at a time.

“We also reduced the operations of commercial motorcycles and tricycles between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. in the state capital, while outside the state capital is between 6:00am and 6:00pm.

“But essential services include; Health personnel, Security men and Journalists who identified themselves were allowed to ride motorcycles or tricycles beyond the stated time,” the governor said.

Mr Matawalle also banned the transportation of cows, and firewood throughout the state, while movement of food items must be thoroughly investigated to ensure it does not get to bandits.

While saying that all citizens must comply with the new directives or face the full wrath of the law, the governor also called on the public to report any person found breaching the directives.

(NAN)