The Federal Government has shut down all telecommunications networks in Katsina State.
This is coming days after the government shut down the telephone networks in neigbouring Zamfara state to enable security forces flush out the bandits from the state.
The shutdown of the telecommunications services is parts of series of recent drastic measures taking by the states to address the raging banditry and kidnapping for ransom.
Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna and Niger have all suspended weekly markets, banned commercial motorcycles, criminalized sale of petrol in jerrycans, prohibited livestock transport, and closed down schools – all directed at ending terrorist activities of bandits.
21st CENTURY CHRONICLE learned that at least 13 local government areas in Katsina have been affected by the shutdown so far.
The local government areas include: Sabuwa, Faskari, Dandume, Batsari, Danmusa, Kankara, Jibia, Safana, Dutsin-Ma and Kurfi. These local governments are on the fringes of the Ruggu forest, which is a hub of the murderous bandits.
Other local governments affected are Funtua, Bakori and Malumfashi.
Earlier, the National Communications Commission (NCC) has refuted plans to shut down telecom networks in Katsina.
