The Anglican Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev Emmanuel Chukwuma has expressed worry over the increasing rate of drug abuse by Nigerian youth.

Chukwuma made the observation in Enugu on Tuesday at an event organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to mark the 2018 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

According to the Bishop, the issue of drug abuse is becoming so much frustrating and our younger ones must know that drug abuse is dangerous and destructive.

“Parents must be observant and must give attention to their children in order to know when they are going astray so they do not get involved in drug abuse.

“They must train their children in the fear of God and instill the cultural values that will promote the dignity of Nigeria and ensure positive leadership,” he said.

The bishop urged the NDLEA to ensure they properly monitored pharmaceutical companies and chemists to stop prevalence and abuse of illicit drugs in the country.

He expressed optimism that with the efforts of the Governor, the Customs and other stakeholders, drug abuse would be totally wiped out in the state.

Earlier, the NDLEA commander in the state, Mr. Anthony Ohanyere said the agency had arrested 51 persons in connection with drug abuse and peddling between January and June, 2018.

The commander said that stamping out drug abuse and peddling should be a collective effort of everyone.

“If each and everyone decide to fight drug abuse from their individual homes, there will be no need to fight drug abuse on the street.

“The war against drug abuse in Enugu State is a war that has just started and the agency will ensure that we win this war,” he said.

Ohanyere however, expressed dissatisfaction with the arrest made so far and pledged to intensify efforts to reduce the social vice in the state.

He explained that the agency had been sensitising the public on dangers of drug abuse and peddling in the state.

The commander charged the youth to desist from the crime in their best interest warning that anyone caught would face the wrath of the law.

Ohanyere pointed out that drug abuse prevalence had diminished the dignity and image of the country.

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is marked June 26 of every year as a way of raising awareness on the problems caused by illicit drugs in the society. (NAN)

– Jun. 26, 2018 @ 16:39 GMT |