Connect with us

News

Drug abuse among youths fuelling insecurity across the Country- Marwa

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Retd Bri-Gen. Bubs Marwa has attributed drug abuse among Nigerians as the main driver of insecurity in the country.

Marwa said this during the sensitisation and advocacy programme for women and youths in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Friday in Abuja.

The NDLEA, in collaboration with Dr Aminu Gusau, organised the sensitisation programmes under the platform of WADA.

The NDLEA boss was represented by Director, Drug Demand Reduction, Assistant Commandant General of Narcotics (ACGN)  Dr Ngozi Madubuike .

He said that the involvement of women and youths in drug abuse had taken a frightening dimension in Nigeria adding that drug users now included young people, females and those living in rural areas.

He also said that the problem of drug use among the youth was the problem of everyone which he said included the parents, the school, the general public and the youth themselves.

According to him, the youth were the engine room of every society irrespective of tradition, culture and religion; the youth are vibrant, adventurous, energetic and brilliant.

“Youth exhibit attitude both for the development of the society and at the same time for the creation of problems in the society.

“Drug abuse leads to criminal offenses and this fuel insecurity such as armed robbery, murder, kidnapping, banditry among others.

“This also leads to burglary and sex work. Evidences shows that young people use drugs for various reasons which include to relax, experimental/curiosity, to enhance performance among others, “he said.

Marwa called on youths to shun drug abuse adding that it was harmful to health and had the potential to destroy their future.

Earlier, the Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, commended the organisers of the sensitisation programme for choosing the topic considering the current trend of insecurity which he said was the most trying period.

Gusau who was represented by his Special Assistant on intergovernmental issues, Mr Bala Chafe also believed drug abuse had been one of the factors that caused the prevalence of drug abuse in the region.

He said that the target audience were the right group who mostly fell victims of this menace adding that that most of the social problems being experienced in the society today were due to drug abuse.

“Kidnapping, banditry, rape, armed robbery among others are some of the negative consequences of this menace,

“It is derailing the peace, progress and development of our teaming youth and by extension the nation, “he said.

Also, the co-organiser of the sensitisation programme, Dr Aminu Gusau said that drug abuse was a complex and multifaceted problem that affected individuals, families, and communities worldwide.

Gusau said that it does not only posed serious health risks but also contributed to social and economic challenges.

He said that youths were the future of the Nation and played a vital role in nation-building.

According to him, the use of drugs by the youth can have detrimental effects on the nation’s growth and development.

“It can lead to a loss of productivity, increased crime rates and a burden on the healthcare system.

“Let us therefore pledge to educate, empower, and support our women and youths in making informed decisions and leading healthy lives, “he said.

According to reports various secondary school students, women and youths were present at the sensitisation and advocacy programmes

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

EFCC arraigns one for suspected internet fraud in Uyo

The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Omereonye Solomon Chigozie (a.k.a Kolor Cabiek Ye) before Justice Maurine A. Oyetenu of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State for alleged internet fraud to the tune of $1,500 ( One Thousand Five Hundred United States Dollars).

He was arraigned on Thursday, March 20, 2025 on a two-count charge bordering on impersonation, possession of fictitious messages and obtaining by false pretence through a fictitious Facebook account: “Kolor Cabiek Ye”.

One of the charges reads, “That you Omereonye Solomon Chigozie (a.k.a Kolor Cabiek Ye) Sometime between 2019 and 2024 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this honourable court with intent to obtain property and gain advantage fraudulently presented yourself as Kolor Cabiek Ye on social media platform (Facebook) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2)(b) (i) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention Etc) (Amendment) Act 2024 and punishable under Section 22(2) (b) (iv) of the scime Act”.

Count two reads “That you Chigozie Omereonye Solomon (aka Kolor Cabiek Ye) sometime between 2019 and 2024 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court did take possession of the sum of $1500 (One Thousand, Five Hundred United States Dollars) while impersonating Kolor Cabiek Ye on Facebook which you reasonably ought to have known forms proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act”.

Chigozie pleaded not guilty to both counts when they were read to him.

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, Enobong Ubokudom prayed the court to fix a date for commencement of trial and remand him in a Correctional Centre. Defence counsel, Ikwere Davies did not oppose the prayers.

Justice Onyetenu adjourned the matter to May 22, 2025 for trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Correctional Centre, Uyo.

Chigozie was arrested in Uyo on October 3, 2024 on credible intelligence regarding his suspicious activities on the internet. Investigations showed that he impersonated foreigners to defraud his victims across the world.

Continue Reading

News

Catholic priest kidnapped in Imo

A Catholic priest identified as Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, has been abducted by unknown gunmen along Ejemekwuru road in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo state.

According to a statement signed by the Secretary of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri Reverend Father Patrick Mbarah, the priest was kidnapped on Sunday March 23rd, 2025 on his way to the Priests’ Annual retreat.

The Archdiocese called on all Christian faithful and all men and women of goodwill to earnestly pray for the quick and safe release of the priest.

Meanwhile the Imo State Police Command through its spokesman Henry Okoye said the Commissioner of Police, Danjuma Aboki, has launched an investigation into the incident and has directed an intelligence led operation for the possible rescue and release of the priest unconditionally.

He urged the general public to help the police with any useful information that might aid the work of the police in securing the release of the abducted priest.

Continue Reading

News

Fubara denies links with militants

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has refuted allegations linking him with militant groups, dismissing recent social media posts and videos as fake and malicious attempts to incite tension in the state.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, the Fubara condemned the circulation of fabricated videos purportedly depicting explosions at oil and gas facilities in the state.

The statement clarified that affected communities have debunked the claims, assuring that all critical infrastructure remains intact and operational.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has no link to any militant group, does not contemplate any such association, and has no reason to encourage any criminal elements to undertake actions that threaten peace, security, or the economy,” the statement read.

Fubara restated his commitment to maintaining peace in Rivers State, emphasising that governance and development can only thrive in a stable environment.

He also warned against attempts to exploit the state’s ongoing political crisis for ulterior motives.

Fubara further cautioned bloggers and social media influencers against spreading false information, stating that their actions could escalate tensions and disrupt stability.

He urged security agencies to investigate and take decisive action against those responsible for spreading misinformation.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending