THE Kaduna State government has ordered the immediate suspension of weekly markets in five of the state’s local government areas (LGAs) facing serious security challenges, the state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, announced this in a statement issued on Monday in Kaduna.

The LGAs affected by the order include Birnin Gwari, Chikun, Giwa, Igabi and Kajuru.
While stating that the government also banned the selling of petrol in jerrycans in the affected areas, Mr Aruwan also explained that the order was necessitated by a “thorough review of the security situation and recommendations put forward by the security agencies.”
He said: “State government wishes to announce the suspension of all weekly markets in Birnin Gwari, Igabi, Giwa, Chikun and Kajuru Local Government Areas with immediate effect.
“The government has also banned the selling of petrol in jerrycans within and outside premises of petrol stations in the five local government areas listed, with immediate effect.
“Citizens are enjoined to cooperate with the government as necessary steps are taken against banditry and criminality across the state.
“The Kaduna State Security Operations Room remains open for receiving useful information on the following lines: 09034000060 and 08170189999,” Aruwan said.