The Shehu of Bama in Borno, Kyari El-Kanemi, on Sunday, 10th November, declared ban on commercial sex workers in his domain in order to eliminate vices and enhance peace in the area.

This was confirmed by Abba Shehu-Umar, Personal Secretary to the emir, in a statement issued on Monday in Maiduguri, after a declaration message on Sunday to mark the 2019 Eid-el-Maulud celebrations.

Kyari El-Kanemi expressed displeasure at the increasing number of commercial sex workers in the area following a clamp down on illegal brothels and commercial sex workers at Galadima Area of Maiduguri.

According to Mr El-Kanemi, there has been an increase in social vices in the emirate since the relocation of the ‘’ladies.”

The emir 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 the chances in the state capital are narrowing, they are exploring other safe havens 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,” Mr El-Kanemi was quoted as saying in the statement.

The traditional ruler said that those found to be engaged in the acts or other forms of criminality would be prosecuted while their premises demolished in accordance with the state government’s policy on such illegal structures in Maiduguri.

He also called on the people to support the government’s policies and programmes to fast track sustainable social and economic development of the state.