ABIA RESIDENTS LAMENT DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUTHS

REPORTER: PEACE AGBO

Abia residents have called for concerted efforts to curb the high rates of consumption of illicit drug and substance abuse.

They made the call while speaking with Radio Nigeria in Umuahia, noting that activities of consumers and peddlers of illicit drugs had become a source of worry to Abia residents.

A parent, Mr. Dickson Ijebuonwu, who frowned at the rates some youths in the society engage in drug, pointed out that such had frustrated their future.

He appealed to the Federal Government to come up with more policies guiding the dispensing of medications over the counter to preserve youths from drug abuse and other illicit substances.

In their separate contributions, Miss Amarachi Oriaku and Prince Emereibe, who are youths, lamented the hostilities of these drug addicts in the society.

While speaking on the effects of drug abuse and illicit drugs, a medical practitioner in Umuahia, Dr. Ifeyinwa Umah, noted that these illicit drug consumers expose their body organs to great dangers.

She urged parents to keep eyes on their children, especially the youth, to ensure they remained useful to themselves and the society at large.

When contacted to ascertain the efforts of the the National Drugs law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) in Abia State in curbing the rate of the consumption of illicit drugs, especially among the youth, including secondary school children, the Assistant Commander of Narcotics, Area Command of the Agency in Umuahia, Mr. Zachary Nwaogbe claimed that the consumption of illicit drugs were on decline in Umuahia as they embarked more on sensitisation.

Mr. Nwaogbe appealed to parents, religious leaders, traditional rulers and non governmental organisations to synergize with the agency to fight against the supply and distribution of illicit drugs to ensure the reduction of their demand in the society.

Nigeria had on June 26 this year joined globe to celebrate the International Day against Drug abuse and illicit trafficking with the theme “People first; stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen Prevention.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU