Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has given a 72-hour ultimatum, for the demolition of brothels and other black spots in Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State.
Zulum gave the order on Tuesday, during a visit to ‘Bayan Quarters’, a settlement around Railway staff quarters believed to be harbouring criminals, prostitutes and illicit drug traders.
The governor who expressed concern over the rising criminal activities in the state, associated with brothels, ordered government agencies to dismantle them within the stipulated period.
According to the governor, the activities were posing a threat to security, as hoodlums perpetuate social vices that undermine the well-being of communities and the dignity of the people involved.
He further explained that while the settlement, which harbours criminals and minor girls engaged in commercial sex activities would be demolished within 72 hours, the illegal brothels have 12 hours to vacate.
“The government has been duly informed of the activities that are going on here; this settlement is completely illegal. People are killed here, this place serves as a breeding space for insurgents.
“I have directed that everybody should vacate the place,” Zulum said.
Similarly, the governor announced the revocation of the land titles where such criminal activities were perpetuated, noting that the titles were originally approved for the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
“I understand that this land was approved by the Borno Government to be used by the Nigerian Railway Corporation, but it has been rented out illegally with all forms of criminal activities taking place.
“For this reason, the government has revoked the earlier approval; henceforth, the land belongs to the Borno Government,” he added.