Kaduna Lifts Ban On Telecoms

By Gideon Njoku

Three months after it banned telecommunications services in the State, Kaduna State Government has lifted the ban.

This comes as abductions of Nigerians, especially, along the Abuja-Kaduna express road continues to worsen. In the past couple of days, tens of Nigerians have been kidnapped along the two-hour drive without any help. Survivors complained they were unable to communicate with anybody.

The State Government had banned telecommunications services with the aim of curtailing the activities of bandits who wreak havoc in the State. But the  ban had little or no effect. If anything, Kaduna residents said it worsened the situation as those in danger were no longer able to call for help.

Reports, however, quote the Kaduna State Commissioner of Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan,  as announcing the lifting of the ban as from Friday, November, 26.

However, he emphasised that other prohibitions, including those of motorcycles, selling of fuel in kegs, and the weekly markets remain in force.

A couple of other Northern States, including Zamfara, Niger and Katsina, have such bans in place. They have not helped much.