Borno Governor Bans Sale of Alcohol in His State, Gives Reason

• Governor Babagana Zulum has officially banned the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Borno state, citing rising criminal activities and social vices
• Zulum accused both the current and former security personnel of actively contributing to the criminal behaviour and prostitution in Maiduguri
• The governor set up a reconstituted committee and ordered them to clamp down on illegal hotels, brothels, and criminal hideouts in Maiduguri and surrounding areas

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements

Maiduguri, Borno state - Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state has announced a ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages in the state.

The governor accused members of the military and other security personnel of contributing to rising criminality and anti-social vices in Maiduguri and its environs.

As reported by The Nation, Zulum spoke on Tuesday, May 6, during the inauguration of a newly reconstituted committee on “revocation of illegal hotels, brothels, shanties, and criminal hideouts and curbing the menace of antisocial vices,” at the Council Chambers of the Government House in Maiduguri, Borno state capital.

The governor said:

“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."

Additionally, Zulum empowered the committee with a renewed mandate to rid Maiduguri and the surrounding areas of criminal elements and social decay.

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a new study had noted a strong link between heavy alcohol consumption and brain damage, showing increased risks of dementia-related conditions.

Researchers found that heavy drinkers had significantly higher odds of developing vascular brain lesions and tau tangles, key markers associated with cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.

While experts urge further studies for confirmation, the findings highlight the long-term neurological risks posed by excessive alcohol use.

Read more about Borno here:

• Breaking: Tension as army captain gunned down in Borno
• Tragedy as Bomb explosion kills many travelers, injure others in Borno
• Concerns rise over recent attacks in Borno

States with the highest alcohol consumption

Legit.ng earlier reported that Nigerians in the first six months of 2022 bought alcoholic and soft drinks worth N599.11 billion. This is a 31.2% increase compared to the N456.44 billion spent in the same period in 2021.

The amount was captured in the financials of Nigerian Breweries, Guinness, International Breweries, as well as Champion Brew. submitted to the Nigerian exchange.

According to Nigerian Breweries reports, in the first six months, citizens spent N274.03 billion on their products. Some of the products include 33 Export lager beer, Williams dark ale, Turbo Kings dark ale, More lager beer, malt drinks, Maltex and Hi Malt, among others.

Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng