The federal government has decried the increase in the abuse of illicit drugs and involvement in political thuggery among young Nigerians residing in the Mushin area of Lagos state. 

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Lagos, recently launched a campaign against drug abuse, political thuggery and other forms of violent crimes, beginning with youths in Mushin. 

Speaking at the occasion, the Lagos Director of NOA, Waheed Ishola, said the campaign was launched in Mushin because the area was noted for illicit drugs, political thuggery and other social vices.

According to Mr Ishola, “The use of drugs by our youths is on the increase and has become alarming; it is drugs that predisposes them to commit crime such as kidnapping, banditry, robbery which has now become an order of the day.”

Commenting, the Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Emmanuel Bamgboye, said incidences of crime were rampant in Mushin owing to the areas population density and volatile nature. 

“We are sure that Mushin will be better at the end of this programme and the forthcoming election will be seamless,” the LG Chairman pledged. 

In her lecture, Titilope Ogunluyi, Assistant State Commander for Drug Demand Reduction at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), said the agency was working with sister agencies to address the drug menace in the state. 

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Lagos State Command, Ahmed Kontangora, also called for serious legislation on the sale and use of drugs, tobacco, alcohol to teenagers and youths. 

More than 150 participants comprising youths, women group, civil society, the disabled, community development associations, artisans were reported to have attended the programme.

(NAN)