The Speaker of Edo House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
Agbebaku made this appeal in Benin during a rally organized by Smile Africa International Youth Initiative, an NGO, to mark the 2024 International Day against Drug Abuse.
“I am sad and concerned about the drug abuse pandemic the country is grappling with; and we should be passionate about the health of our youths,” he said. Represented by his Deputy, Maria Oligbi-Edeko, Agbebaku emphasized that a state of emergency is crucial to tackling the menace, noting that drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking are major contributors to criminality in the state and the nation at large.
He described drug traffickers as severe criminals who should not be tolerated in any progressive community. Agbebaku highlighted the multifaceted challenges presented by hard drugs, which affect the lives of millions. He explained that drug abuse leads to individuals struggling with substance use disorders and the wider consequences of drug trafficking and related crimes.
“If you have been following the house activities, you would know that the house has passed several resolutions on the need to prevent drug abuse and trafficking.
“Today, we are sad that drugs are destroying communities in the country and everyone is pretending not to see it.
“Drugs are now being sold freely in certain locations in the state and yet not much is being done to check the menace,’’ he stated.
