By Abimbola Ogunnaike
The Gombe State Government has ordered immediate closure of local nightclubs, popularly referred to as ‘Gala Houses’ within the state.
The order, according to the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Njodi, came from Governor Muhammadu Yahaya.
Njodi, who announced the directive of the state Governor in a statement issued on Monday, 28 August, 2023, said the latest development followed a series of complaints from the general public.
According to the SSG, the enforcement of its closure will reduce incessant immoral, criminal activities and security breaches being perpetrated in such nightclubs.
Governor Yahaya has, consequently, ordered the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Civil Defence Corps and the Operation Hattara to mobilise their personnel to effect the directive and ensure strict compliance.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the affected Gala Houses are: Jami’a Gidan Wanka located at Mile 3 Yola Road, Gombe, White House Theatre (Babban Gida) located at New Mile 3 Yola Road, Gombe; Gidan Lokaci General Merchant located at Mile 3 Reservoir Road, Gombe and Farin Gida Entertainment II located at Wuro Karal, Kalshingi Road, Gombe.
“Others are: Gidan Zamani Entertainment New Mile 3, Yola Road, Tumfure, Gombe; Albarka Entertainment Located at Wuro Karal, Bypass near Hara Form, Gombe; Gala Houses Located at Kuri Town, Lubo village and Kurba village all in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area.
“Also affected are Tauraren Wash located at Trailer Park, Bauchi Road, Gombe and Gala House located at Bajoga Town in Funakaye Local Government Area,” Njodi’s statement partly read.