Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum says, any politician, no matter how highly placed, if found harbouring or sponsoring thugs will be dealt with accordingly.
He also warned that his administration will not condone any act of indiscipline.
The governor gave the warning while addressing Youth leaders and Political groups associated with thuggery, known as ECOMOG in Maiduguri.
Zulum had at different times, approved a series of vocational jobs and empowerment programmes for the groups, to make them have access to lawful means of livelihood.
Despite the measure, the Governor observed that most of the youths preferred political thuggery, as a means of livelihood.
A statement issued by Zulum’s spokesman, Isa Gusau, quoted the governor as saying, “Borno is the only place we have, we can’t allow a few of you to destroy the state. We have over six million people in the state. We can’t allow you to continue terrorizing the populace, we can’t tolerate that anymore.”
He added that, “We will not continue to give you money, you cannot hold us to ransom. The security agencies have been directed to deal with anyone found parading himself as ECOMOG, either at the airport, graveyard, at wedding receptions or anywhere. You have been disturbing the public peace, constituting nuisance”, Zulum said.
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The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan, said in recent days, there has been increasing cases of theft and house burgling.
He warned that any person or group of persons found contributing to the insecurity within the state capital and its environs will be severely dealt with.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Abdu Umar, and the State Director of State, DSS, Munir Mamman, pledged to act in line with the governor’s policy.
It would be recalled that in July 2019, two months after assuming office, Governor Zulum had announced a ban on political thuggery in Maiduguri and launched a vocational employment scheme to support the youths.
In 2020 and 2021, Zulum extended his ban on political thuggery to Biu and Gwoza, both of which have had a notorious prevalence of thuggery.
The governor later announced a statewide ban on the menace.
Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe
