Governor imposes ban on motorbikes in the Fika, Fune, Gulani and Gujba local government areas after devastating attack by suspected herders on Gurjaje village

The governor of Yobe State has banned the use of motorbikes in four local government areas to curb crime and insecurity.

Mai Mala Buni imposed the ban on Monday, February 19, after a meeting with security agencies.

The measure was taken following an alleged reprisal attack last week by suspected herders on Gurjaje village in the Fika Local Government Area.

In a clash in January, the villagers reportedly chased herders from their lands after cattle destroyed their watermelon crops.

Herders claimed villagers had rustled some of their cattle.

In what is believed to have been a reprisal attack, herders on motorbikes – armed with bows and arrows and machetes – stormed Gurjaje village on Tuesday, February 13. They set houses alight and destroyed properties.

At least 140 houses were burnt down and more than 1,600 people were displaced.

Buni sent his commiserations to the victims.

The Yobe State Emergency Agency (YOSEMA) provided support, including relocating displaced villagers to the nearby communities of Maluri, Garin, Ari, Dibbol, Bulaburin and Fika.

Buni took the decision to ban the use of motorbikes after a meeting with the state’s commissioner of police, Ahmed Garba, traditional leaders and security agencies. It was agreed that to reduce crime, the use of motorbikes should be suspended. The ban would hinder movement and facilitate easier identification.

The ban was imposed with immediate effect in the Fika, Fune, Gulani and Gujba local government areas.

Idi Barde Gubana, the state’s deputy governor, told journalists at a press briefing after the meeting that the crisis in Gurjaje village in the Fika and Fune axis was not an ethnic or tribal conflict, but was caused by the influx of migrant pastoralists.

“The gunmen – believed to be herders – used motorbikes to get to Gurjaje. They attacked farmers and villagers at night.

“The government has imposed the ban in four of the state’s local government areas where there has been increased insecurity and criminal activity in recent months. There have been a number of clashes between villagers and herders.”

Desertification was believed to be one of the factors that drove herders to feed their cattle in the south of Yobe State.

Gubana said control of migrant herders who came from neighbouring states would be reviewed, including the demarcation of cattle routes and the establishment of grazing reserves and water points.

The government would do what it could to douse tension among farmers and herders, he said.

Most residents supported the ban although it was not clear what impact it would have on essential services. The government did not disclose the duration of the suspension.

Muhammad Abubakar Garundole, a journalist based in Damaturu, said: “No motorbikes were allowed in Yobe State for many years because of insecurity that bedevilled the state. In March last year – after the general elections –a decision was made to lift the ban.

“But the devastating attack on Gurjaje shows that insecurity is still a concern. There have been a number of attacks in the state, particularly along the Buni Yadi-Gujba road where unknown gunmen have kidnapped travellers and stolen their possessions before releasing them.

“The ban will help to curtail crime and improve security in the state.”

Usman Bin Affan, a resident of Damaturu, said: “The Yobe State government has taken this step to protect the lives and properties of residents. There have been major security concerns in the four local government areas. Banning the use of motorbikes is a good decision.”

ADAMU ALIYU NGULDE