The Shehu of Bama in Borno State, Kyari Ibn Umar El-Kanemi, has declared commercial sex workers unwelcome in his domain in order to eliminate vices and enhance peace in the area.
Mr Abba Shehu-Umar, the Personal Secretary to the emir, in a statement issued on Monday in Maiduguri, said the traditional ruler made the declaration in a message on Sunday to mark the 2019 Eid-el-Maulud celebrations.
He said that the emir expressed displeasure at the increase in number of commercial sex workers in the area, following clamp down on illegal brothels and commercial sex workers at Galadima area of Maiduguri.
According to El-Kanemi, there has been increase in social vices in the emirate since the relocation of the women.
The traditional ruler said that his emirate would not condone illicit activities and other forms of criminality allegedly perpetrated by the sex workers.
“You may recall that these girls caused serious criminality in the suburb of the state capital; they engaged in open prostitution, child trafficking, drug abuse and other forms of criminality in the metropolis.
“The state government constituted a high powered committee to address the nefarious activities, which led to the demolishing of several hotels, brothels and hideouts in Maiduguri.
“Now that their chances in the state capital are narrowing, they are exploring other places in the local government councils.
“The trend cannot be accepted; I have instructed Village and Ward Heads to be vigilant and proactive as such attitude will not be condoned,” El-Kanemi was quoted as saying in the statement.
The emir said that those found to be engaging in the act or other forms of criminality would be prosecuted while their premises would be demolished in accordance with the state government’s policy on such illegal structures in Maiduguri.
Commenting on immunization exercise, El-Kanemi called on parents to submit their wards for vaccination to protect them against polio and other diseases.
While commending the military, federal and Borno State government over the successes recorded in the counter insurgency operation and peace restoration process, the emir urged the people to pray for sustained peace and stability in the state.
He also called on the people to support government’s policies and programmes to fast track sustainable social and economic development of the state.
El-Kanemi returned to Bama in July, as part of the government’s Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Resettlement (RRR) programme.
The emir, hitherto, took refuge in Maiduguri after the insurgents sacked his palace in 2014.
