11th December, 2021
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) said drug abuse and addiction are triggers of political thuggery, kidnapping, and other social vices being witnessed in society.
Malam Hamzat Audu, Director of the NOA in Niger State said at a one-day town hall meeting with stakeholders in Minna on Saturday that drug abuse and addiction were fuelling anti-social behaviors.
The meeting was held to address escalating cases of drug addiction, banditry, thuggery, and other social vices.
Audu 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 sensitize 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.
In his remarks, ACP Abdulmalik Kaita who represented the Commissioner of Police in Niger, Mr Monday Kuryas, blamed abuse and addiction on drug dealers and peddlers and on failed parental guidance and counseling.
In his contribution, Mr Bello Sheriff, chairman of the state’s chapter of the Youth Council of Nigeria, said that the youths were the worst hit by drug addiction.
He said the council would partner with the NOA to sensitize youths against drug abuse.