The Kaduna State government has banned the sale of petroleum products in jerry cans or any other containers in five local government areas that have witnessed a surge in banditry and kidnapping in recent times.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, who disclosed via a statement yesterday, listed the affected councils as Birnin-Gwari, Chikun, Giwa, Igabi and Kajuru.
The commissioner further stated that the ban is with immediate effect and directed security agencies to ensure compliance with the directives.
The move is coming a few months after neighbouring Zamfara State criminalised the sale of petroleum products in jerry cans or any other containers.
According to the government, this will help to curb the activities of black marketers linked to bandits in the State.
The State government also directed the suspension of weekly markets in the five local government areas.
Kaduna, Zamfara and other States in the North-West and North-Central region have been caught up in a surge in violence from heavily armed criminal gangs who loot villages, steal cattle and carry out mass kidnappings.
