Residents of Dutse and other parts of Jigawa State have called for a total ban on betting activities, citing growing financial losses, moral decline and increasing involvement of youths in crime.
The residents made the appeal in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, expressing concern over the rising number of betting centres and their impact on society.
One of the residents, Ibrahim Musa, blamed the spread of betting on ignorance and the pursuit of quick wealth. He said he personally lost about N3 million through betting and warned that the practice has pushed many young people into criminal activities.
According to him, several individuals are already serving prison terms over offences linked to betting-related financial pressures.
Musa urged the Jigawa State Government and the Dutse Emirate Council to shut down betting shops, arguing that such a move would encourage financial discipline and help curb theft and other social vices among youths.
Another resident, Ibrahim Mohammed, advised young people and women to avoid betting, describing it as a destructive habit with serious economic and social consequences.
Mohammed recounted losing more than N5 million over the years, a situation he said left him financially unstable.
He explained that before developing the betting habit, he was financially comfortable and had supported about 30 youths with start-up capital for small businesses.
“It is painful that I am now broke because of betting losses,” he said.
Also speaking, Ali Sabo said he had spent over a decade betting and lost more than N5 million during the period.
He blamed the situation partly on weak regulation, saying the unchecked growth of betting outlets has exposed many people to hardship and emotional distress.
Sabo added that at least five people within his circle had developed mental health problems linked to stress and repeated losses from gambling.
In Gujungu town, Taura Local Government Area, another resident, Sabo Haladu, said betting had become increasingly common among unemployed and idle youths.
Haladu, a farm labourer, said he ventured into betting hoping to improve his financial condition but instead suffered repeated losses.
He also supported calls for a complete ban on betting across the state.
