LG boss seeks NDLEA partnership to fight new unconventional illicit drugs

AHMED MARI, Maiduguri

The Chairman, Hawul Local Government Area of Borno state, Mr , Inuwa Bwala, has expressed concern over emerging trends in drug addiction with  unconventional drugs gaining grounds and called for collaboration between the council and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA in fighting the menace.

Mr. Bwala, who solicited the support when the Area Commander for Southern Borno, of the NDLEA, Auwal Babayo Kumo visited him in his office in Azard, the headquarters of the council yesterday told the visiting NDLEA commander, along with his officers that, new drugs like “Gumm, “Soak  and Die,” “Akurkura” and ethanol: all of which are not listed in the International list of prohibited drugs, are now common in the rural areas.

Bwala called for the speedy signing of the amended NDLEA Act, to reflect such dangerous substances as an addition to the International list, stressing that some of the unconventional illicit drugs are even more dangerous than cocaine and heroin or Marijuana.

He told the NDLEA team that government is ready to collaborate with the anti drugs agency in discouraging the circulation and  consumption of all non rated local drugs.

According to him, , gumm: a chewable local herb, with very high nervous and mental effects, is very common even amongst women, while soak and die, a combination of chemicals used for the preservation of corpses has gained currency amongst youths.

“Akukura, also a local combination is common with drivers, while tramadol, has become a daily drug menu amongst labourers at building and other construction sites”, he added.

The chairman said that many youths   have been exposed to these drugs, and  called for collaboration with Local Government chairmen in Southern Borno for the establishment of a rehabilitation centre in Biu, which products could be ready intakes into the newly built skills acquisition centers in the area.

He noted that youth could still be made useful citizens after exposure to drugs after rehabilitation and enrollment into skills aquisition centers, which are being built in all Local Government Areas by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.

Leader of the NDLEA delegation Auwal Babayo Kumo had earlier briefed the council chairman that, he has been going round to introduce himself as the new helmsman in the area, and to seek for collaboration towards a planned public enlightenment campaign.

He said the area command of the agency has mapped out a multi pronged approach to the fight against trafficking and consumption of illicit and prohibited drugs.

Earlier,  the NDLEA commander, Mr.Auwal Babayo said he was in Hawul to seek collaboration with the council chairmen in the fight against drugs and illicit substances.

For a better society

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