The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Taraba State has called for stronger collaboration among government, traditional institutions and communities to tackle the growing menace of drug abuse and trafficking in the state.
The call follows the seizure of 2,530 kilogrammes of illicit drugs and the arrest of 382 suspects for drug-related offences between January and July this year.
Speaking at an awareness event, the Taraba State Commander of the NDLEA, Javanson Kwalma, said drug abuse had become endemic in the state, with the widespread misuse of cannabis sativa, tramadol, codeine-based syrup, methamphetamine and other psychoactive substances posing serious threats to public health, security and socio-economic development.
He noted that despite decades of efforts by governments and international organisations, the drug problem remains a major challenge.
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“Drug trafficking networks continue to expand their operations across borders, exploiting technological advancement and weak governance structures.”
“The communities continue to suffer the devastating consequences of drug abuse, including addiction, mental health challenges, family disintegration, crime, violence and loss of productive manpower.”
“In Nigeria and indeed in Taraba State, we continue to witness the harmful impact of drug abuse on our youth, families and communities.”
“The misuse of substances such as cannabis sativa, tramadol, codeine-based syrup, methamphetamine and other psychoactive substances poses serious challenges to our social and economic development.”
Also speaking, the Galadima of the Muri Emirate, Alhaji Tukur Abba Tukur, described the rising rate of drug abuse in Taraba as alarming and called on the government to declare a state of emergency on illicit drug consumption and trafficking.
He said traditional institutions are at the receiving end of the consequences of drug abuse and pledged greater collaboration with the NDLEA.
“We at the community level are at the receiving end of illicit drugs consumption, and it is very devastating and a menace that directly affects the nerve system of our society.”
“We are making a strategy to collaborate with the NDLEA and make a vigilante group to provide information on the locations of illicit drugs sales and consumption.”
“We are urging government to declare a state of emergency on drug abuse because it is a big concern and it is devastating our communities, as most of our youth are in the dilemma of either dying or depressed.”
Representing Governor Agbu Kefas at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Drug Abuse, Sale Audu, said the state government remained committed to combating drug abuse, particularly because of its devastating impact on young people, families and communities.
“Drug abuse has become one of the greatest challenges confronting not just Taraba, but Nigeria in general. It destroys lives, weakens families, fuels criminal activities, undermines productivity and deprives the youths of their future.”
“The increasing involvement of young people in drug abuse is a matter of great concern to every responsible government, and Taraba is not an exception.”
He stressed that no substance provides a lasting solution to life’s challenges, warning that drug abuse only leads to addiction, ill health, poverty, violence and, in many cases, untimely death.
The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to deploying technology and intelligence-driven strategies to disrupt the supply chain of illicit drugs across Taraba State and beyond.
