By Soni Daniel

Apparently fearing possible onslaught by the Boko Haram sect, Yobe State Government has banned vehicular movement into and out of the state capital during the Christmas celebrations.

Governor Ibrahim Gaidam handed down the restriction order in a statement made available to Vanguard in Abuja on Tuesday.

In the statement signed by his Special Adviser on Press Affairs and Information, Governor, Abdullahi Bego, Gaidam said the restriction became imperative after a joint meeting with heads of security agencies, which reviewed the security situation in the state.

The restriction, which takes effect from 6pm on Wednesday (today) to 7am on Sunday 28th December 2014, affects all vehicular movement into and out of Yobe State.

However, the governor said that people in respective towns across the State can move with their vehicles freely within their own towns only except during the curfew hours that were imposed and announced earlier.

The statement made it clear that hospital ambulance services on emergency assignments are exempted from the restrictions.

The statement said: “Following a routine meeting with heads of law enforcement agencies in which the security situation in the State was reviewed, His Excellency the Executive Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam has Okayed the placement of special restriction on movement across the State as follows:

“No vehicle coming into or leaving the State will be allowed within this period.

“The State Government and security agencies took these decisions in view of the need to ensure the safety and security of citizens throughout the State, especially in the Festive, Yuletide season.

“The Governor urges people to show understanding and patience as these measures are taken in the best interest of the State and the people.

“The Governor also appreciates people’s support to the security agents and asks that they continue with their support and cooperation for the full restoration of peace and security.”