By Musa M. Buba
Damaturu
Emir of Tikau, Yobe state, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar Ibn Grema has expressed concern over the increasing number of youth and married women involved in drugs and substance abuse in his domain.
The emir, who was speaking to newsmen recently lamented that a lot of the youth and married women were now involved in the consumption of illicit drugs including tramadol, codeine, marijuana and other harmful substances that influence their behaviour and suggested that those affected ought to be treated, rehabilitated and offered jobs with the social works department of the state while sensitisation of the youths should be carried out.
“To be candid drug addiction has become one of the issues of concern and a major problem within the community. It has gone to the extent that if you go to the local markets in the rural areas, you find people selling it openly without any fear about the consequences. It doesn’t stop there; even the married women are now into drugs; you see them taking it rampantly. I think only prayers will get us out of this mess,” he lamented.
The royal father commended the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives for their efforts but emphasise that they have to be more proactive. “Even though they’re faced with manpower challenges, they are not many enough to cover all the places. I’m also on the opinion that there should be quick dispensation of cases before the court,” he said.
