The escalating prevalence of drug abuse in Katsina State has raised serious concerns, with Dr. Muhammad Usman-Bugaje, a prominent political activist, sounding the alarm. He painted a grim picture, declaring that Katsina is entrenched in a “dangerous situation” attributed to widespread drug use.
During a recent dialogue with stakeholders, Dr. Usman-Bugaje revealed that Katsina ranks second only to Bauchi in drug seizures and arrests, as reported by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). This dire situation persists despite the relentless efforts of the NDLEA, underscoring the severity of the issue.
The urgency of the matter was underscored during a dialogue convened by the Katsina Consultative Forum (KCF), drawing the participation of concerned citizens, traditional rulers, and even former President Muhammadu Buhari. Alhaji Aminu Abubakar-Danmusa, chairman of KCF, emphasized that the forum’s primary objective was to formulate enduring solutions to address the scourge of drug abuse in the state.
Dr. Usman-Bugaje stressed the imperative of a comprehensive approach to tackle the crisis, advocating for collaborative efforts involving communities, government agencies, and religious organizations to combat this menace effectively. He highlighted the necessity of preventive measures targeted at youths and students while also identifying drug sources and understanding the underlying reasons and risk factors fueling drug abuse in Nigeria.
