By Daniel Edu
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has issued a directive to demolish brothels and locations known for criminal activities, such as prostitution, gangsterism, and other illegal operations in Maiduguri, the state’s capital. The decision came during his visit to the ‘Bayan Quarters’ area, which is situated near the railway staff quarters in Maiduguri.
This area has faced controversy recently due to alleged police interventions, tire deflation of certain trucks, and the subsequent arrest of six individuals found loading train coaches. However, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) authorities later clarified that the coaches were being prepared for evacuation to Jos for maintenance.
The ‘Bayan Quarters’ locality has been infamous for hosting gangsters, criminals, and minors engaged in commercial sex work. Governor Zulum expressed deep concern over the surge in criminal activities associated with these illicit brothels and criminal hideouts, including prostitution and drug peddling.
He emphasized that these activities not only pose a security threat to the state but also perpetuate social vices that harm communities and the dignity of those involved. In response, Governor Zulum declared that the settlement, which harbors criminals and underage girls engaged in commercial sex work, would be demolished within 72 hours.
Additionally, he ordered the operators of these illegal brothels to vacate the premises within 12 hours, stating, “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. Therefore, I have directed that everybody should vacate the place.”
Governor Zulum clarified that although the land had initially been approved by the Borno State Government for use by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), it had been unlawfully leased out, leading to various criminal activities. As a result, the government revoked the earlier approval, and the land is now officially under the ownership of the Borno State Government.
