By Adedapo Adesanya
The Kaduna State Government has announced the restoration of telecommunications services more than a month after it was shut down on the orders of the state security council.
This was disclosed by the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan on Friday.
He said the restoration of full services in the affected areas may unfold over a few days, as the service providers are mobilised to power their transmission systems accordingly.
Mr Aruwan noted that the state government regrets the inconveniences residents of the affected LGAs may have encountered as a result of the shutdown, and also commended the sacrifices made while the shutdown lasted.
Notwithstanding, the government reiterated that the other measures announced as part of the security containment orders remain in force.
These include the prohibition of motorcycles all over the state, the ban on weekly markets, transportation of cattle, and the prohibition of the sale of fuel in jerrycans in specified Local Government Areas.
The state government had put those measures in place as part of efforts to address the rising spate of insecurity not only in Kaduna but in neighbouring states in the North-West and North-Central regions.
Recall that in September 2021, the Kaduna Government had shut down telecommunication services in some local government areas of the state as part of critical measures towards ending banditry.
Speaking then, Mr Aruwan explained that the move was part of many steps taken to address the current security situation in Kaduna State and neighbouring states in the North-West and North-Central regions.
“The relevant federal agencies have today informed the Kaduna State Government that the processes for telecoms shutdown in parts of the state have commenced.
“As part of the steps to address the current security situation in Kaduna State and neighbouring states in the North-West and North-Central, Kaduna State State Government has held several meetings with security agencies to adopt critical measures towards crushing bandits in identified hideouts,” he had stated.
