Gombe NSCDC parades 34 suspects over ‘illegal dance’

20 girls and 14 boys, including minors, were paraded by the Gombe State Order of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps because they were involved in alleged illegal dance entertainment, commonly known as ‘Gidan lokachi’ or ‘Gidan gala’.

According to State Commander Waziri Goni, the suspects had committed a serious security breach.

Goni also told reporters on Tuesday, June 28, that the order has so far closed more than 10 of such dance halls across the state, which also served as a way for young girls to engage in prostitution.

He said;

“They call the place Gidan Gala, but actually at the end of the day they have their boyfriends, they will go with them. 95 percent of them are teenagers about 17 years old, you will hardly find 20 to 22 years old, and the place has been around for a long time. For the owners, they have registered the place for trade and merchandise and now they function as a hotel and playground. ”

Goni, who revealed that some of the suspects came from neighboring states, also said that some of them were married for about a week before relinquishing their marriage vows to come to Gombe State.

I added;

“They are from Adamawa, Borno, Plato and Taraba states. Most of them are from the North East, only one or two are from Kaduna and Jos. If we do not address this issue, it will endanger the entire population and create problems.

“This is a serious threat, these are things that lead to kidnapping, robbery, cultism. Some are lured and killed, others hide under the pretext of the play to commit crime.

“It will bring a bad image to their family. Some of the parents know that their children were involved in such things, at least about two of them. We have to take these people to court. ”

Gidan lokachi manager Danladi Mohammed, however, opposed the allegation, adding that participants were properly screened before being admitted.

Mohammed said;

“They came themselves, if they are not married, you will be allowed to act, we do not accept minors.”