On the alarming rise of drug abuse among Kano youths

It is disheartening, the high number of drug abuse cases in Kano State. It is because of these cases that the previous government of Senator Kwankwaso established the Kano Reformatory Institute where drug addicts are taken for rehabilitation. Despite these efforts, the problem remains. No-one will doubt the efforts of the Task Force Committee on […]

It is disheartening, the high number of drug abuse cases in Kano State. It is because of these cases that the previous government of Senator Kwankwaso established the Kano Reformatory Institute where drug addicts are taken for rehabilitation. Despite these efforts, the problem remains. No-one will doubt the efforts of the Task Force Committee on drugs that was set up by the former governor, under pharmacist Ahmad Gana Mohammed, which fought dealers and distributors of the drugs at Sabon Gari Market.
Kwankwaso’s reform challenged the dealers and distributors to come out of Sabon Gari Market to sell their drugs, and open a pharmacy as prescribed by the law, as it is done in developed countries. When retailing of drugs becomes an all-comers affair, drug abuse will flourish.
While the commonly abused drugs are codeine-containing cough syrups sold in the drug markets, other illicit ones worsen the situation, like cannabis, and others. The dealers are youths, too, and they go from ward to ward, area to area, and their targets are other youths and young married women. Speaking to a highly-placed security official in the state, he revealed to me that the menace continues to thrive, and that government needs to do something about it as a matter of urgency. Which made me wonder, is the reformatory institute at Kiru still functioning? Or has it gone the way of many projects, affected by politics?
It is not only happening on our streets, but in schools both secondary and tertiary. Therefore, it is good for us the youths to embark on anti-drug abuse campaign in our schools, with a view to highlighting the effect on people. Government officials, Imams, Pastors, NGOs and corporate organizations should take part in the campaign as well.
I am advising the government of Dr. Ganduje to stop the open drugs market at Abubakar Rimi Market, and set up a task force or committee that will look into the most disturbing trend. Retailers and distributors should operate in accordance to pharmaceutical laws, and the reformatory institute at Kiru should be properly funded for the benefit of affected people. After all, they are our children, brothers and sisters. Let the government take serious action on this, also by organising regular sensitization lectures on the dangers of drug abuse.
Popular areas or ‘hang-outs’ that have become hubs for users and addicts should be shut down, with the government launching a full-fledged war against this most dangerous development. Anyone found guilty of drug-related offences should be arrested and prosecuted.
Adam wrote in from Tudun Wada, Kano.