By OBSERVERS TIMES.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has taken a drastic step to curb rising criminality by banning the sale of alcohol, directly accusing current and former security personnel of being key drivers of the problem.
Governor Zulum made the accusations during the inauguration of a revitalized committee tasked with dismantling illegal hotels, brothels, and other criminal hideouts. He asserted that these security individuals are leading civilians down a path of radicalism, prostitution, and other vices, intensifying the threat of terrorism in Borno State.
“I am happy to know that army officers are here… because most of these activities were committed by… dismissed army officers, dismissed security officers, current army officers, men and officers, including civilians,” the Governor declared. “There should be no sacred cow in this matter.”
The ban on liquor sales is a response to increasing incidents of gang violence, cultism, drug abuse, and theft, which Governor Zulum believes are linked to alcohol consumption and the existence of criminal enclaves. The reconstituted committee includes representatives from the military, police, and other security agencies.
Observers are now considering the potential economic ramifications of the alcohol ban alongside the state’s stance on national tax reform.
