NDLEA seeks support of traditional rulers to curb drug abuse

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has solicited the support of traditional institutions in the country in combating drug abuse in the society.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NDLEA, Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, made the call when he visited the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Gyang Buba on Tuesday in Jos.

Marwa decried the rise in consumption of illicit drugs in Nigeria, particularly among the youth.

The chairman explained that one out of seven Nigerians engage in drug abuse, stressing that the prevalence had contributed to the security challenges facing the country.

“The prevalent of drug abuse is very high; no single community is exempted.

“As I speak, one out of seven Nigerians consume hard drugs with very high number of addicts.

“The situation is very terrible and so all hands must be on deck to ensure the situation is addressed

“So, we are here to seek the support of the traditional institutions to end this menace in Plateau and Nigeria at large

“As custodian of the people and our tradition we believe you have a lot to do toward curbing drug abuse in our society,” he said.

Marwa called on the traditional rulers to set up War Against Drug Committees in their domains to stem the tide of drug abuse at the rural levels.

Responding, the Gbong Gwom, who was in company of other top traditional rulers in the state, thanked Marwa for the visit.

He advised the chairman to ensure regular training and retraining of its personnel for optimal performance.

“For us to have a drug free society, a lot has to be done at all ends, particularly in terms of training and retraining of your personnel.

“Modern and adequate equipment should be given to your men to enable them upscale their performance.

“If there is any agency that the government should adequately fund, it is the NDLEA, because drug abuse is a massive problem today,” he said.

The Gbong Gwom assured the chairman that the traditional rulers would support the agency in its bid to end drug abuse in the country. (NAN)