Crime
Drug abuse, mindset that needs change – Youth Influencers
Drug abuse, mindset that needs change – Youth Influencers
Some influencers have said drug abuse, particularly among youths, is as a result of wrong mindset and attitude in managing their challenges.
They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews in Lagos on Saturday that many people were not proffering the right solutions to their challenges, and instead, resorted to drugs.
Mr Chukwuemeka Onuh, State Coordinator, Collabo Nigeria, said drug abuse was on the high side, and many people were experiencing hardships being compounded by lack of job opportunities.
He urged those experiencing challenges to seek the right type of solutions that would better their future, rather than resort to drugs, which could only cause them more harm.
Onuh, who is also the Chairman, Festac 111, Ward C, Labour Party, said drug abuse was a mindset, because those who engaged in it got neither profit nor gain, but only early deaths and tarnished futures.
He, however said the government had a huge role to play in reducing the rate of drug abuse in the nation by ensuring that there are job opportunities for youths in order to avoid idleness.
“If there are enough jobs, most of the youths will be engaged,” he said.
Onuh also urged parents to be closer to their children, so they could monitor them and check for abnormal behaviours.
Also, Mr George Newton, Convener, Project Light Up, Amuwo Oriade, said drug abuse was an attitude that needed a huge change.
He said most drugs people abused, are for medical purposes, including medicines for treatment of diseases, but were being misused without proper guidance.
“Some companies that produce hair creams use Indian hemp, for example, to stimulate hair growth, but it’s not supposed to be sold on the streets,” he said.
Newton urged the government to carry out a massive reorientation exercise to sensitise people and help change their attitudes regarding the misuse of medications.
He cautioned against the use of drugs to relieve stress, adding that rather than feel better, those who take sedatives without prescription would become addicted.
Mr Anthony Iduh, however, said the major challenge with drug abuse, particularly for youths, was that it is readily available and easy for them to find in their neighbourhoods.
Iduh, who is a Teacher, also said youths had too much idle time available to them.
“The unemployment rate is so high. A lot of them have come out of school and they have no jobs,” he said.
He recommended sports, regular power supply, manufacturing and farming as ways to help reduce idleness among youths.
Iduh urged communities to have facilities, including basketball courts and football fields, where youths can use their energy instead of resorting to drug use.
Drug abuse, mindset that needs change – Youth Influencers
One killed as customs officers allegedly shoot driver in Osogbo
By: Zagazola Makama
A suspected murder involving customs officers occurred on March 15 in Dada Estate, Osogbo, Osun State, leaving one person dead.
Sources said the incident took place at about 10:00 a.m. when some officers attached to the Nigeria Customs Service, Osun Command, dressed in mufti, were intercepting an unregistered vehicle locally referred to as Tokunbo.
According to the sources, one of the officers allegedly shot at the driver of a Toyota Highlander, who later died. The name and address of the deceased are yet to be confirmed.
Two customs officers, Superintendent Kolawole Suuti and Superintendent Danjuma Samuel, were involved in the operation. One officer was apprehended, while the other was rescued from an angry mob.
At the scene, authorities recovered the private Toyota car used by the customs officers, the deceased’s Toyota Camry, a Beretta pistol (breech number 125024) with 11 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, and one expended shell.
The vehicles and recovered items have been taken to the state headquarters, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Residents have been urged to remain calm as authorities probe the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
One killed as customs officers allegedly shoot driver in Osogbo
Troops arrest suspected local arms fabricator in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected local arms fabricator during a raid operation in Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 10:33 a.m. on March 14 by troops of 8 Division Garrison stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Tureta.
According to the sources, the troops conducted a targeted raid at Kamfanin Dayi village following intelligence reports about illegal weapons fabrication activities within the community.
During the operation, one suspect was apprehended while allegedly fabricating locally made pistols inside his residence.
Preliminary interrogation of the suspect reportedly revealed the involvement of another individual within the village who is also engaged in the production of illegal firearms.
The accomplice, however, was said to have fled before the arrival of the troops and is currently at large.
Troops arrest suspected local arms fabricator in Sokoto
Suspected stolen cows spark deadly incident in Nafada, one dead
By: Zagazola Makama
One person has died and another injured after being caught in possession of cows suspected to be stolen in Barwo SabonGari Village, Nafada Local Government Area, Gombe State.
The incident occurred on March 14, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m., involving Buba Wakili, 35, of Garin Alhaji Village, and Damina Jauro, 33, of Duggi Village. Both were reportedly sighted with two cows suspected to be stolen.
Upon noticing villagers approaching, the men attempted to flee but were confronted and overpowered by the community, sustaining varying degrees of injuries.
Damina Jauro was confirmed dead, while Buba Wakili was rushed to General Hospital, Nafada, for medical treatment. The two cows were recovered at the scene.
Police say they have launched an investigation into the incident, and further updates will be communicated as developments unfold.
Suspected stolen cows spark deadly incident in Nafada, one dead
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