Development Expert blames use of hard drugs for violence, crime

As part of effort towards ensuring a more peaceful society for socio- economic growth in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State and the Nation at large, the Foundation for Development and Community Engagement has identified commitment to advocacy, intense campaign against the use of hard drugs and bad habits as veritable tools in curbing violence and crime in the society.

Barr. Robinson Ariyo, a development expert and one of the directors of the foundation, stated this weekend in Warri during a workshop organized by the  foundation.

According to him, the increase in crime rate, violence, as well as increase in the number of people with mental disorders could largely be attributed to the high patronage of hard drugs and other related substances.

He noted that the government has to do more by properly equipping the relevant agencies like the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to carry out their statutory functions.

According to Ariyo, the alarmng rate of patronage of hard drugs should be a concern to everybody and as such, all hands must be on deck to stop the 'monster'.

Also speaking, Dr. Shola Mese, decried the attitude of government towards ensuring that children get qualitative education as dearth in infrastructures where school children   are subjected to learning under harsh conditions was not good for the children's psyche.

He noted that joblessness, frustration were also factors that have led to the increase in the use of hard drugs.

According to him, in the whole of Delta State, despite the increase in the number of drugs addicts, there is only one rehabilitation home which he said was not even functional.

Dr. Shola Mese, also called on members of the society to desist from stigmatizing drug addicts who have gone through rehabilitation as embracing and encouraging them, would make them reintegrate faster into the society.

A member of the Delta State Edu- Marshal, Mrs. Moboghanre, said the campaign should also be taking to primary and secondary schools so as to sensitize younger children early in life on the danger associated with the use of hard drugs.

Warri South Local Government Area Hon. Mofe Edema who was represented by Hon. Bawo Nanna pledge the local council's support in partnering with individuals and   organizations in the fight against the menace of hard drugs.

The Warri Area Command, ACP .Muazu Mohammed who was represented by ASP Patrick Eboga called on the public to help the police with useful information about where illicit drugs are sold and assured that their confidentiality was guaranteed.

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