The mayors of seven (07) of the nine (09) municipalities in the department of Atacora in the northwest of Benin Republic prohibit the circulation of motorcycles and tricycles in their territories from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. This measure aims to fight against the terrorism that is rampant in this region of Benin Republic.
It was by decrees of February 13, 2023 signed by each of the mayors of seven (07) of Atacora that this decision was taken. Drivers of two (02) and three (03) wheel vehicles are no longer authorized to drive at night, especially from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. The decrees specify that violators of this measure will be arrested and sanctioned. However, exceptional cases such as the sick, proven emergencies, etc. are exempt.
The repeated attacks in recent months in these municipalities have led the authorities to take this measure with the support of the defense and security forces who patrol day and night to flush out the forces of evil that disturb the peace of the population. The authorities undertake to use all means to combat this underworld which is destabilizing the region and to bring peace and security to every citizen. Most often, terrorists use motorcycles to do their dirty work, especially at night, and quietly vanish into the wild. The authorities, very worried, asked for the collaboration of the population, but without satisfactory results. Attacks continue and intensify further in northern Benin Republic.
Since this decision was taken, the roar of motorcycles and tricycles has stopped at night and the inhabitants are holed up in their homes to avoid any unpleasant situation caused by the terrorists. Many of the residents have stopped nighttime activities to comply with this decision by the authorities of their respective municipalities. The facts and gestures and each citizen are now checked for the security agents in order to unearth all these ill-intentioned individuals.
By Jean-Discipline Adjomassokou
