Members of the Kogi State House of Assembly have expressed serious concern regarding the rising use of hard drugs among the youth in the state.
The issue was brought to light through a motion of urgent public importance proposed by Bin Ebaiya Shehu Tijani, the representative for Lokoja I. He urged the establishment of a rehabilitation center to support victims of substance abuse, sexual assault, and other mental health challenges.
Tijani pointed out that this troubling trend has led to numerous fatalities among the youth in Kogi. He highlighted the growing prevalence of drug abuse, along with rape and gender-based violence, which have inflicted significant trauma on victims.
He emphasized that the lack of a rehabilitation center in Kogi forces many individuals to seek help from unqualified caregivers. “It is crucial for the State Government to establish a rehabilitation facility in light of the increasing cases of abuse and the associated mental trauma,” he stated.
The proposed center would not only focus on addiction treatment but also offer physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitative services. It would support the enforcement of laws related to gender-based violence and child rights, ultimately helping to reduce crime in the state.
Deputy Speaker Mrs. Comfort Ojoma Nwochiola Egwaba, who presided over the session, affirmed the motion’s relevance and instructed the clerk to relay the House’s resolution to the state government.
Peoplesmind
