The Emir of Daura, Faruq Umar-Faruk, has called on the National Assembly to enact legislation prescribing the death penalty for persons convicted of trafficking in hard drugs.

Mr Umar-Faruk made the call on Tuesday during a town hall meeting organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), in collaboration with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, in Daura.

The meeting was organised to sensitise residents to the dangers of drug abuse, drug trafficking and domestic violence.

The emir urged the National Assembly to strengthen existing laws and introduce tougher penalties to stem the growing menace of drug trafficking.

He stated, “I want you to convey my message to my son, Tajudeen Abbas, to collaborate with the Senate and enact a law prescribing the death penalty for anyone convicted of drug trafficking.”

He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at eradicating drug abuse and trafficking, describing the campaign as critical to the future of the North and Nigeria in general.

Earlier, the Director-General of NOA, Lanre Issa, represented by the Director of Special Duties, David Akoji, expressed appreciation to the emir for the warm reception accorded to the agency.

Mr Issa assured the emir of the agency’s commitment to supporting efforts to combat drug abuse and other social vices through sustained sensitisation and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

Also, the state Director of NOA, Haruna Ibrahim-Malumfashi, said the state was selected to host the programme because available statistics indicated a high prevalence of drug-related problems in the Northwest.

He said the engagement was designed to mobilise communities and relevant stakeholders towards addressing the challenges through collective action, awareness creation and sustained public enlightenment.

The meeting attracted government officials, traditional and religious leaders, personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), civil society organisations, community members and other stakeholders.

(NAN)