Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has prohibited the sale of alcoholic beverages, linking the rise in criminal and antisocial activities in Maiduguri to the involvement of some security personnel. Zulum made the statement on Tuesday during the inauguration of a newly reconstituted committee tasked with eliminating illegal hotels, brothels, shanties, and hideouts contributing to social vices, held at the council chambers in Maiduguri.
He attributed the spread of criminality, radicalism, and prostitution to the actions of both serving and dismissed members of the security forces, accusing them of negatively influencing civilians and intensifying terrorism threats in the region. “I am happy to know that army officers are here, especially the military, police, and others 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. So, 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,” Zulum said.
The governor reinstated the committee with a broader mandate to eliminate crime and social disorder within Maiduguri and its surroundings, while incorporating members of the military, police, civil defence, and civilian JTF for an all-encompassing strategy.
The decision to ban alcohol sales and consumption follows increasing incidents of violence, cultism, prostitution, drug use, thuggery, and theft, which have reportedly resulted in deaths and property loss.
The co-chair of the committee acknowledged the urgency of the task and outlined immediate plans to address the deteriorating security situation. The move, which also includes demolishing establishments linked to criminal activity, raises questions about potential impacts on internal revenue, especially in the context of the ongoing tax reform bill being pushed by Zulum and other prominent figures from the state.
Source : https://www.channelstv.com/
