Banditry: Sokoto Shuts Down Telecommunications Networks In 14 LGAs

The Sokoto State authorities has shut down telecommunications networks in 14 of the 23 native authorities areas of the state as a part of the efforts to test banditry.

Governor Aminu Tambuwal introduced the measure on Monday.

In an interview with Voice of America (VOA) Hausa Service, Mr Tambuwal mentioned the state secured approval from the Minister of Communication and Digital Economic system, Isah Pantami, earlier than imposing the ban on Monday.

He mentioned the affected council areas are probably the most weak to bandit assaults within the state.

The event in Sokoto adopted that of the neighbouring Zamfara, the place all components of the state are affected; and Katsina State the place 13 native authorities areas are affected.

The governments of the 2 North-west states introduced the suspension of telecommunications networks and banned weekly markets and sale of petrol in jerry cans, amongst different drastic measures to test the actions of bandits.

Mr Tambuwal mentioned following the ban in Zamfara, bandits have intensified assaults in Sokoto. He mentioned the measure has proved profitable in Zamfara, on account of which the bandits have been fleeing from the state to Sokoto.

“Because of the ongoing navy successes in Zamfara State, the bandits are fleeing to Sokoto,” the governor mentioned.

Mr Tambuwal mentioned the community ban is efficient in Dange Shuni, Tambuwal, Sabon Birni, Raba, Tureta, Goronyo, Tangaza and Isa native authorities areas amongst others.

Isa native authorities space shares boundaries with Shinkafi LGA in Zamfara State, whereas Goronyo and Sabon Birni from west and north respectively have borders with the Republic of Niger within the east.

Mr Tambuwal mentioned the measure was lengthy overdue. He mentioned the seven governors of the area had agreed on the community ban to flush out the bandits however this might not be accomplished.

A resident, who spoke with PRESSINFORMANT from Sokoto metropolis Monday afternoon, Suleiman Aliyu, mentioned community service from MTN had stopped in lots of components of the town.

The headquarters of Dangi Shuni, one of many council areas lower off the networks, is about 27 kilometres from Sokoto metropolis.