The National Orientation Agency (NOA) have insisted that drug abuse and addiction are triggers of political thuggery, kidnapping and other social vices being witnessed in the society
Director of the NOA in Niger State, Malam Hamzat Audu, disclosed this at a one-day town hall meeting with stakeholders in Minna on Saturday.
The meeting was held to address escalating cases of drug addiction, banditry, thuggery and other social vices.
According to Audu, drug abuse and addiction are fuelling anti-social behaviours.
She noted that the vices were affecting the socio-economic wellbeing of the people and causing distrust, and disunity among Nigerians.
“Trust was the component that hitherto held the society together, but in recent times, it has suffered serious blows resulting in suspicion, fear and general disaffection among the citizenry.
“There is a compelling need to sensitise and educate people on the fact that drugs is the major enabler and indeed the trigger which propel people, especially the youth, into crime.’’ he said.
Also speaking at the event, ACP Abdulmalik Kaita who represented the Commissioner of Police in Niger, Mr Monday Kuryas, blamed abuse and addiction on drug dealers peddlers and failed parental guidance and counselling.
Chairman of the state’s chapter of the Youth Council of Nigeria, Mr Bello Sheriff also insisted that the youths were the worst hit by drug addiction.
He said the council would partner with the NOA to sensitise youths against drug abuse.
Discussion about this post