Concerns over rampant drug abuse have reached alarming levels in Katsina State, prompting prominent figures to call for immediate action.
Dr Muhammad Usman-Bugaje, a renowned political activist, painted a sobering picture during a recent dialogue with stakeholders.
He raised the alarm that Katsina stands in a “dangerous situation” due to widespread drug use.
“According to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Katsina ranks second only to Bauchi in drug seizures and arrests of both dealers and users,” Dr Usman-Bugaje revealed.
He emphasised that this reality comes despite the tireless efforts of the NDLEA, highlighting the severity of the issue.
The dialogue, organised by the Katsina Consultative Forum, KCF, brought together concerned citizens, traditional rulers, and even former President Muhammadu Buhari, showcasing the seriousness with which the issue is being tackled.
Alhaji Aminu Abubakar-Danmusa, chairman of KCF, underscored the event’s objective, which he said is “finding lasting solutions to the menace” of drug abuse in the state.
Dr Usman-Bugaje emphasised the need for a multi-pronged approach to combat the crisis, proposing collaboration between communities, government agencies, and religious organisations.
He stressed the importance of preventive measures focused on youth and students, alongside identifying drug sources and understanding the underlying reasons and risk factors driving drug abuse in Nigeria.
