Police Boss Raises Alarm Over Drug Abuse By Youths

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Edgal Imohimi, on Tuesday raised alarm over the increase in the use of drugs especially by youths and attributed drug abuse to the increasing parental failure in the society.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the CP disclosed this during a seminar organised by Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), themed “Stop the Stigmatization of Ex-Drug Users and Human Trafficking” to mark the World Day Against Drug and Human Trafficking.

CP Imohimi said that four out of every ten young people approximately will be involved in drugs if nothing was done. He however called on other security agencies for synergy, adding that their duties should not be limited to enforcement as sensitisation was key in managing drug victims.

“The issue of drug abuse has been a major problem. In fact, I feel we need to declare a state of emergency on drug abuse. However, we need to ask ourselves how we got here. Drugs had been there since we were young but the difference is that we had parents that cared. We had family structures but now broken down. Societal values are gone. The family is supposed to be a platform upon which every other thing grows. If that expected family influence is missing, one ends up being vulnerable to crime”

“The situation now is that some parents are now afraid of their children. Then, the school used to care about the conduct of students but now no one cares.

“Religious leaders should also dedicate time to tell the people about the evils of drug abuse. It is only a sane society that listens to spiritual messages. We will continue to do our own part. I want a safe environment where our children can grow up to contribute their quota to the development of the society.” Edgal said.

CRAN President, Odita Sunday, said that the fight against drug abuse should not be left to agencies alone as everyone needed to join in the advocacy.

He added that the victims of drug abuse should be shown love and encouragement as they were fighting battles within themselves.

“Our youths are being ravaged by drugs. This is one of the reasons codeine was recently banned. We cannot leave the fight to agencies alone; we need to join in the advocacy to stop drug abuse. In the advocacy to end drug abuse, stop stigmatization. Once a drug user decides to give up on drugs, show him love and encouragement. Let them know there is a better tomorrow. That they were drug users does not mean they were failures.” Odita said.

Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, a Human Right Activist, who was a guest lecturer at the event, also condemned stigmatization on drug users saying that it makes the victims to shy away from help.

“When you stigmatize, you are given the victim room for continuation. Stigmatization is described as being bad or having a situation to be ashamed of. When you label a person or stigmatize, you make the society develop fear for the person, mistrust, violence, discrimination and so on. The effect it has on the victims are; they fear to come out, delay in seeking necessary help, self stigmatization and this generates into low self esteem. Let us develop our lives, community and identity without drugs.” she said.

Dr Okei-Odumakin further condemned the act of human trafficking; describing it as an abuse of basic rights by organized criminals preying on vulnerable people to make money.

“Victims of drug abuse and trafficking require love, equal opportunity, positive affirmations, employment opportunity, support and assistance towards their recovery. To be part of the solution we need research, rehabilitation, reunification and reintegration” she added.

Mrs. Tanwa Ashiru, a security expert also a guest lecturer at the event and added her voice to the issue of drug abuse and stigmatization suffered by victims.