Residents of Dutse in Jigawa State have called for a total ban on betting activities, citing rising financial losses, youth involvement in crime, and worsening social problems linked to gambling.
The residents, who spoke in separate interviews on Sunday, also expressed concern over the increasing number of betting centres across the state, urging authorities to take decisive action.
One of the residents, Ibrahim Musa, blamed the spread of betting on ignorance and the desperation among youths for quick money, adding that he personally lost about N3 million to gambling.
He said the practice had contributed to rising criminal behaviour among young people, with some ending up in prison due to offences linked to betting losses.
“I appeal to the state government and the Dutse Emirate Council to ban betting shops to protect youths from stealing and other crimes,” he said.
Another resident, Ibrahim Mohammed, warned that betting was destroying lives and pushing many into financial hardship, disclosing that he had lost more than N5 million over time.
He said he was once financially stable and even supported about 30 youths with startup capital before suffering losses through gambling.
“It is painful that I am broke today because of betting losses,” he lamented.
Also speaking, Ali Sabo said he had been involved in betting for over a decade and had lost more than N5 million, blaming weak regulation for the spread of gambling activities.
He also expressed concern that some associates had developed mental health challenges due to prolonged losses and stress linked to betting.
Similarly, Sabo Haladu of Gujungu town in Taura Local Government Area said betting had become common among unemployed youths seeking quick income.
He said his own attempt to improve his finances through betting resulted in repeated losses and called for a complete ban on gambling activities in the state.
