Minna
The police in Niger state have warned night transport operators that, restriction of movement of goods and persons across the state was still enforce and anyone caught violating the dusk to dawn order would face the full wrath of the law.
Breaching existing restriction order by night transport operators and travelers across Niger state, the police said, not only proved counterproductive but undermined effort of the state government to check spread of Corona Virus (COVID-19) and this would no longer be tolerated.
The Police Commissioner in the state, Adamu Usman,have the warning in a statement signed by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Wasiu A. Abiodun in Minna.
He further admonished members of the organized transport sector in the state to desist from further violation of the restriction order in their own interest.
“This warning is as a result of intelligence report, that transporters, inter-state in particular have continued to defy the lockdown or restriction of movements by the state government and continue on their night journey activities, this must stop.
Consequently, all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), the statement indicates were to ensure full implementation of the restriction order, night travels in particular, with regards to categories of exempted persons and the fundamental human rights of the citizens.
The police commissioner reminded all those engaged in night traveling and their operators that, “The lockdown is for 24 hours daily. Night hours are not excluded, inter and intra state movements across Niger state remain banned”.
While calling on the leadership of; NURTW, RTEAN, NARTO and other public transport owners in the state to warn their members to strictly adhere to the state government’s restriction order, the police said violators would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police has expressed appreciation to the people of the state for their understanding and cooperation throughout the trying moment of Covid 19.
He assured them that the command would continue to do its best to protect their lives and property.
Usman appealed to them to adhere strictly to the safety rules to avoid Coronavirus infection.
He emphasized the need to for residents to monitor their surroundings for criminal elements and to report any suspicious movements to security agents for prompt action.
