Recently, in one of our publications, we did a report on how drug cartels have taken over Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom State. We highlighted some major roads and streets within Uyo with various drug spots. We stressed in that report that 99.9 percent of crimes committed in the State are committed under the influence of drugs.
It is sad to observe that although we have National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Akwa Ibom, the agency has not achieved much because of inadequate funding from federal government and lack of support from the State Government. While we know that NDLEA is a federal agency, which its funds primarily comes from the federal government, the agency needs support from State government just like the State government is giving support to Nigeria Police Force, Military Commands in Akwa Ibom State and other paramilitary agencies domiciled in the State.
The role of NDLEA in checking drug related crimes in Akwa Ibom State should not be undermined.
We urge the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno to visit the State headquarters of Drugs Law Enforcement Agency in Uyo, interface with the leadership of the agency to know possible areas that government can collaborate with the agency to check the spat of drug abuse and drugs related crimes in the State.
We must state here that crime rate in Akwa Ibom State is increasing by the day. And majority of those involved in drug abuse in the State are students in high schools who are lured into this crime through peer pressure. To address this, the agency must carry out regular sensitisation of pupils and students on the dangers of drug abuse.
However, we have equally observed that NDLEA in Akwa Ibom State is currently facing mobility challenge. At present, the agency in Akwa Ibom State has only one old bus which the agency cannot use to visit all parts of the State.
We appeal to Akwa Ibom State Government to provide vehicles for the agency to help in conveying staff of the agency to various places and schools in the State to carry out public enlightenment and sensitisation on the dangers of drug abuse among youths in the State.
