Zulum: Alcohol Ban remains in place to combat rising criminality in Borno
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has affirmed that the ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol, established by an Act from the State House of Assembly, is still in full effect.
During the inauguration of a reconstituted committee aimed at tackling antisocial behaviors, the governor announced reinforced measures to enforce this ban, focusing on the involvement of military and police personnel in facilitating criminal activities.
Zulum expressed concern over the increasing incidents of armed robbery, drug abuse, gangsterism, and cultism, which he links to the rise of terrorism in the state.
Speaking at the Government House in Maiduguri, he pointed out the troubling connections between security agents and crime.
“I am happy to know that army officers are here… because most of these activities were committed by whom? Some of them are dismissed army officers, dismissed security officers, current army officers, men and officers, including civilians,” Zulum stated.
He emphasized the need for accountability, declaring, “There should be no sacred cow in this matter if we want the Maiduguri metropolis, and indeed the state, to get rid of insurgency, terrorism and other sorts of criminalities.”
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Zulum noted that issues like prostitution and gangsterism are escalating, citing a recent murder incident behind the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. He underlined that political thuggery must also be addressed, as it contributes to the overall security challenges.
“Some of the years we had insurgency was as a result of these criminalities. Borno was one of the peaceful States in Nigeria, but we allowed Maiduguri to be taken over by criminals. We shall never get it done with insurgency without dealing with these criminalities,” he assured.
To tackle these problems effectively, the governor has restructured the committee to include military, police, civil defense, and other security agencies, along with the Ministry of Justice, aiming for a comprehensive approach to prosecute offenders and restore safety in Maiduguri and its surroundings.
Source: LEADERSHIP
