HON. MKEENEM COLLABORATES NDLEA TO CURB DRUG ABUSE, SOCIAL VICES.

As part of efforts to curtail drug abuse and its attendant criminality amongst the youth in Benue communities, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia on Youth Mobilization and Empowerment, Hon. Mkeenem Moses, FIMC, CMC, today established a robust synergy with the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Benue State Command.

Speaking during a familiarization visit to the state commander of the agency, Esther Musa Lami, the youth leader attributed most cases of criminality, banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery to the effect of drug abuse and stressed the need to curb the menace.

In her response, the NDLEA State Commander thanked Hon. Mkeenem for his timely visit and for acknowledging the remarkable strides of the agency in the state which she said has reduced drug abuse significantly in the state.

She expressed optimism that with the existing partnership and collaboration between the NDLEA and the office of the SSA on Youth Mobilization and Empowerment and the Benue State Government at large, awareness would be created adequately for youths to desist from drug abuse and the dealers will be discouraged from the illicit business.

She disclosed that the NDLEA had been longing to bring the youth together to create awareness but all attempts proved abortive. She however impressed that the state youth leader has provided a credible platform to achieve the aim.

Lami who disclosed that the NDLEA also rehabilitates drugs victims, pleaded with the Governor of Benue State His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia to help set up a new standardize rehabilitation structure for the agency to enable them rehabilitate drug victims efficiently.

The commander pointed out some harmful drugs like Indian Hemp-Igbo, Ikya, Monki tail which is mixed with Ogogoro and other dangerous concoctions, Amphetamine eyes, Cocaine, Spheno, Tramadol, Disapam, Codeine etc that have caused a lot of damage to addicts and should be avoided.

Also speaking, Deputy Commandant in charge of Operations, John Abua, lauded the initiative of Hon. Mkeenem and lamented that many youths take the drugs for fun but end up becoming uncontrollable to their parents, adding that they steal and even rape women.