Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, on Monday squarely attributed the recent suicide bombing in Konduga Local Government Area to the prevalence of illicit drug markets, promising to enforce a sweeping ban on the sale of alcohol and drugs across all 27 local government areas of the state.
The governor made this declaration during a sympathy visit to the community, where he pledged a statewide crackdown on all illegal drug markets, unapproved structures, and locations known to facilitate criminal activities. The visit followed a tragic incident on June 20, 2025, when a suicide bomber detonated explosives in Konduga, resulting in 12 fatalities and 18 injuries.
Speaking during his visit, Zulum conveyed his condolences and outlined the government’s firm resolve. “We are here to commiserate with the victims of the bomb blast that occurred in Konduga. A delegation had earlier visited to sympathise with the victims, but I have come personally to express my condolences,” he stated.
He then linked the bombing directly to the illicit activities in the area: “More importantly, the government had earlier directed that illegal activities must not take place in the area. However, the vicinity where the blast occurred is known as a joint where people sell marijuana and engage in various criminal acts. The community had previously reported this and requested decisive government action.”
The governor emphasized that warnings had been issued to those operating such joints. “The government, through the task force on the ban and sale of illegal drugs and operations of unauthorised structures, had warned those operating such joints to vacate. Unfortunately, they ignored the warnings. I urge the people of Konduga and the general public to desist from such activities,” he warned.
Zulum also highlighted the displacement of illicit drug operators from Maiduguri, noting that “many illicit drug operators who were previously dislodged from Maiduguri have now relocated to rural areas like Konduga, where their activities continue unchecked.”
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He affirmed that the state government would collaborate with the Borno State House of Assembly to ensure the full enforcement of the recently signed Executive Order banning illegal activities such as marijuana (Indian hemp) sales and prostitution, extending its reach beyond Maiduguri to encompass the entire state.
According to the governor, the House of Assembly is scheduled to review and strengthen the state’s sanitation law on Tuesday. “The revised law will empower law enforcement agencies to arrest offenders without a warrant and ensure its enforcement across all 27 local government areas of the state,” he said.
Furthermore, Governor Zulum announced the formation of a high-powered committee specifically tasked with identifying and shutting down drug centers across Borno State.
He issued a stern warning to offenders: “Structures harbouring illicit drug activities will be demolished, and offenders arrested and prosecuted. The government will not fold its arms while criminals endanger lives. All joints where marijuana and other illegal drugs are sold will be dismantled, and perpetrators will be dealt with according to the law. We must act swiftly to prevent further occurrences. The safety and stability of our communities remain our top priority,” he warned.
