KWARA,NASSARAWA& NIGER,RANKS 1ST,2ND,&3RD IN ILLICIT DRUG-SAYS NDLEA.
By Bala Yahaya.Minna
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),has disclosed that the previlence of drug abuse and trafficking is at increased in the North -Central states of the country.
The Zonal Commander,Zone ‘C’,Minna,Aliyu Yahaya Omba made the disclosure during his key note address to commemorate the United Nation’s (UN),Intertional Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking,with the theme,Stop Stigmatization,Descrimination, Strengthen Prevention,held at Idris Legbo Kutigi Conference Centre,Minna,yesterday.
The NDLEA Zonal Commander explained that the research conducted by the United Nation in 2018,revealed that in North -Central Nigeria,Kwara state was ranked 1st in drug abuse and trafficking with 13% highest,while,Nassarawa state ranked 2nd,with 11.8%,and Niger State,3rd with 11.6% respectively.
Yahaya Omba also stated that Federal Capital Territory,Abuja,ranked 10%,Kogi state 9.2% as well as Benue state 8%.
He noted that the menace of drug abuse is a global problem, adding that though,in Nigeria,it has reached an alarming stage.
According to him,NDLEA under the leadership of the Executive Chairman,General Buba Marwa is doing everything humanlly possible to put the previlence of drug under control,advising public to intensify enlightenment on danger associated with drug abuse.
His words,”counselling and rehabilitation of drug addict would go along way to address the ranpant cases of drug abuse in the society,pointing out that the agency laid more emphasised on the preventive measures”Aliyu added.
He however enjoined stakeholders and society to stop sigmatization and descrimination which he described as negetive, as well as factors that are making people to shine away from coming forward to seek for help.
The Niger State Commander,NDLEA,Bwalin Musa had earlier revealed that officers and men of the command are making frantic efforts to track down drug dealers from their hid outs.
Bwalin assured the citizens of the state that no cause for alarm,as within January to June,2023,the command has made significant number of arrest of drug traffickers about 250,while,64 of them convicted are now serving jail term.
In their goodwill messages,the representative of the Secrtesry to the Niger State government,and representative of Spearker of the State Assembly,pledged to support the NDLEA to enable her raid the state of free drug.
Highlights of occasion was the paper presentation and presentation of trophy to winning schools that participated in the debate.