Benue State Security Council has declared a dusk to dawn curfew in Ukum and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas as part of efforts to contain banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery in the area.
The state Deputy Governor, Engineer Benson Abounu, while briefing journalists at the end of the security council meeting said the curfew remains in force from Wednesday 8pm to 6am daily.
He also noted that council resolved to sustain the ban on the use of motorcycles of all kinds in the area pending further review of the security situation.
The deputy governor however stated that movement of patients and pregnant women among other very necessary cases for medical attention using motorcycles where there is no vehicular presence would be allowed after thorough investigation.
He said the council observed that motorcycle operators had migrated from areas affected by the ban to neighbouring rural communities where they are causing mayhem and urged security agents to intensify surveillance in those areas.
Engineer Abounu said the decision to ban the use of motorcycles in Sankera followed heinous attacks on residences in Ukum and Katsina-Ala which resulted to the death of many, stressing that the ban had proven 100 per cent successful.
Fielding questions from journalists, the Deputy Governor confirmed cases of burning of some motorcycles in Sankera by security agents, adding however that a stop was put to the action immediately it was brought to the attention of leadership of Operation Whirl Stroke.
