The Borno State Government has demolished illegal shops and structures in Maiduguri metropolis, Jere and Konduga Local Government Areas in the state. The demolished structures, which comprise containers and makeshift shops, are allegedly used in selling marijuana and other narcotic drugs to the youths. Leading the demolition exercises Saturday in Maiduguri, the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Kaka Shehu Lawan, who also doubles as the Commissioner of Environment, said that the clamp down on illegal structures and shops was to curb massive consumption of cannabis and other hard drugs.
He noted that most of the consumers of marijuana and other illicit drugs are youths. The Demolition Task Force (ETF) along with the Police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA) and the Civilian JTF assisted the Commissioner in the demolition exercise. At the Legacy Garden Housing Estate in Bulumkutu ward, dozens of makeshift shops and other illegal structures were pulled down and cleared off the Airport road and Pompomari bye-pass.
According to him, the demolished illegal shops and containers have been harbouring a lot of marijuana and other drug dealers and consumers. Speaking after the monthly sanitation exercise yesterday, he said: “Ajiri ward, Government House Roundabout, and other marijuana selling points have already been identified for the demolition exercise in the metropolis and Konduga Council. “The State Government is fade up with the increasing consumption of Indian hemp and other narcotic substances,” he lamented, noting that they are sold to the people from these illegal shop owners along the streets.
“During the demolition exercise, illicit substances, including cannabis, codeine, tramadol, charms, and weapons comprising machetes, knives, bows and arrows were retrieved from the demolished shops and structures,” he said. He added that most of the illegal structures are occupied by miscreants; who terrorize innocent citizens by daily snatching their cellphones and other personal belongings in the affected areas. He disclosed that the demolition was sequel to several warnings and structures removal orders by the State Government, but fell on deaf ears. He said that anyone with genuine land documents from Government are however; to be exempted from the ongoing demolition exercise.
He warned that government will not fold its arms and allow the continued sale and consumption of marijuana, codeine, tramadol and other illicit drugs in the state. Lawan therefore urged the people to support the State Government fight against the sale and consumption of hard and other illicit drugs. “You should report any noticeable criminal activities and illegal operations in the makeshift shops to security agencies for prompt action,” he said.
