Zaharaddeen Ishq Abubakar| Katsina Times
The Katsina State Road Traffic Authority (KASSAROTA) has partnered with security agencies and key stakeholders in the transport sector to address the persistent problem of vehicle overloading and the practice of transporting both humans and animals in the same vehicle from the state to southern Nigeria.
Speaking during the stakeholders’ meeting, the Director-General and Chairman of KASSAROTA, retired Major Garba Yahaya Rimi, explained that the decision was taken following a petition from transport unions to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda over the growing menace.
According to him, Governor Radda directed the authority to work closely with security operatives, transport unions, and other stakeholders to establish a Taskforce Operation aimed at finding sustainable solutions.
Rimi identified major markets such as Charanci, Mashi, Dutsi, Mai’adua, and Dandume as hotspots where the practice of transporting people alongside animals is most prevalent.
He stressed that although existing state laws already prohibit the practice, there is a need to review and possibly amend the legislation through the State House of Assembly to provide a stronger legal framework.
At the end of the meeting, KASSAROTA, in collaboration with security agencies and transport unions, developed 14 recommendations to be submitted to the governor for necessary action. They also agreed on a schedule of follow-up meetings to monitor progress and ensure the effectiveness of the new measures across the state.
Major Rimi urged all participants to uphold integrity and fairness in carrying out the assignment, emphasising that the primary goal is the protection of lives and property.
"Let us work with sincerity and the fear of God, free of bias, and do what is right to safeguard the lives and property of our people," he concluded.
