The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has issued a strong warning to families, urging them to maintain closer vigilance over their children as cases of drug-induced mental health crises continue to rise.

Speaking during the Catholic Women Organisation Reunion in Abuja on Saturday, Mr Kaigama expressed concern over the increasing number of teenagers and young adults “drifting into ruin through the deceptive influence of peers.”

“We cannot police them like officers, but parents must keep a keen and loving eye.

“A small smoke, a small drink, just one careless moment, can destroy an entire future,” he said.

The clergyman lamented the growing occurrences of mental breakdowns among youths as young as 18, describing the emotional and financial burden families now faced.

He called on parents to check in regularly with schools, monitor holiday activities, and maintain open conversations with their children to curb rising cases of addiction and psychological collapse.

Turning to national issues, Mr Kaigamna addressed ongoing debates surrounding Nigeria’s designation as a “country of particular concern” due to the persistent killings and religiously tinged violence.

Mr Kaigama added, “The issue is not who is killing whom, the issue is: what can we do to stop these killings?”

He encouraged the government to build a stronger culture of accountability, expressing hope that leaders would respond swiftly to protect citizens and ensure perpetrators were brought to justice.

Mr Kaigama said, “Every Nigerian life, Christian or Muslim, matters before God,” he emphasised, calling on national leaders to prioritise human life over political convenience.”

He also highlighted positive developments within the Archdiocese.

The clergyman hailed the outgoing president of the Archdiocesan Association, Ebelechukwu Okoye, and her team for their commitment to community service.

He urged the communities to emulate those initiatives, noting that the boreholes supplying clean water to neglected villages showed how citizens could act.

Mr Kaigama said, “These women have shown humility, kindness, and loyalty.

“They have served our people well, and I pray the next group will continue, or even exceed, their good works.”

(NAN)