Lawmakers raise alarm over use of hard drugs by youths in Kogi

Members of the Kogi State House of Assembly have decried the use of hard drugs by some youths in the state.

This followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Lokoja I, Bin Ebaiya Shehu Tijani, calling for the establishment of a rehabilitation center that will cater for the needs of victims of abuse such as drugs, rape and other mental challenges.

The lawmaker noted that the development has led to the death of many youths in the state.

While lamenting that drug abuse and other social vices has increased in Lokoja and other parts of the state, the lawmaker said besides drug abuse, rape and gender based violence are prevalent and have also caused a lot of trauma on the victims .

He lamented that Kogi State has no rehabilitation center to cater for such victims which has made many to patronize unprofessional care givers.

He said, “It is imperative for the State Government to establish a rehabilitation center in Kogi State in view of the increasing cases of abuse and the resultant mental injury or trauma and abuse.

“When the rehabilitation center is established, it shall provide physiotherapy, occupational therapy and other rehabilitative treatments for physical or mental agony,” he stated.

The lawmaker added that besides treating addictions, the centre would provide operational support for relevant laws on gender based violence and Child Rights Law and also reduce crimes in Kogi State.

The Deputy Speaker, Mrs Comfort Ojoma Nwochiola Egwaba, who presided over the sitting, also stressed that the motion was timely and directed the clerk to convey the resolution of the House to the state government.

Lawmakers raise alarm over use of hard drugs by youths in Kogi