APPARENTLY worried by the spate of bomb explosions in Kaduna and its environs, the state government, on Sunday, ordered a complete ban on the sale of petrol in jerrycans.

However, the state government has further relaxed the curfew imposed on the state from 6.00p.m. to 6.00 a.m., Following the gradual return of peace.

The ban, according to a statement signed by Reuben Buhari, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Public Affairs, was based on advice from the Security Council state.

The ban came just as Christians in the state capital and environs observed the Easter festivities in churches amidst tight security on Sunday.

Similarly, houses of PDP chieftains, retired and serving military and paramilitary officers and those considered vulnerable to attack by aggrieved youths were heavily guarded by combat-ready soldiers, especially in Kaduna North and in the area where a local bomb factory was discovered.

According to the statement by the Kaduna State government: “His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Mr Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, directed that the ban also affected those engaged in the hawking of petroleum products, otherwise known as “black market.”

“The reason for this ban is to further protect the lives and properties of people of Kaduna. By this order, all filling stations within Kaduna State are immediately advised to comply. All security agencies within Kaduna State have been mandated to ensure full compliance.

“The governor sympathised with the families of all those who lost their lives and properties in the crisis and condemned in its entirety, saying the wanton and unnecessary destruction of lives and properties of innocent residents of Kaduna State was unfortunate.

“The resort to targeted destruction of houses of all types, individuals, shops and places of worships is most unnecessary, unjustifiable and completely out of tune with modern avenues of seeking either political or socio-cultural redress on any perceived grievances.

“With the return to normalcy in all parts of the state, His Excellency wishes to assure all residents of Kaduna State of the full security of their lives and properties, especially with the election of 28 April, 2011. All should, therefore, come out en masse to vote the governor and legislators of their choice as the security of voters and non-voters are guaranteed.

“To all religious and traditional leaders in the state, His Excellency expresses profound gratitude to them for their immeasurable contribution towards the return to normalcy and further requests their assistance in the rehabilitation of displaced persons within the state.”

The governor in the statement, also expressed appreciation to NEMA, SEMA, the Red Cross, the Red Crescent and other philanthropic organisations and individuals for all the relief work they had been rendering since the crisis engulfed the state.

Meanwhile, senator-elect for Southern Kaduna senatorial district, Mrs Nenadi Esther Usman, has called on the people to refrain from violence and resort to peaceful coexistence which is the only way to development and growth.

According to the former minister, “let me seize this opportunity to thank Nigerians and the good people of Kaduna State in particular for a successful conduct of the National Assembly and presidential elections, which have been adjudged by our very critical civil societies organisations and the international community as the freest and fairest since 1993.

“As we prepare for the state houses of assembly and gubernatorial elections on Thursday, April 28, 2011, I am appealing to all our people to come out en masse and vote for our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and I pray that God, in His infinite mercy, will guide and protect us Amen,” she said.

“I wish to however join the president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, the governor of Kaduna State, Mr Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa and well-meaning Nigerians in condemning the wanton destruction of life and property in Kaduna State and in some parts of the country that followed the presidential election of Saturday, April 16, 2011.

“We should understand that we have a lot to achieve for the progress, development and growth of the country rather than resorting to violence which, in turn, will bring nothing but retrogression to the unity, cohesion and integration we have built for years,” she said.

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