Mkprumiri: NDLEA Reports Over 400,000 Youths Abusing Drugs in Enugu

By: Kamsiyo Cyril

The Enugu State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Abel Sunu Wadahi, has revealed that more than 400,000 youths in the state are heavily involved in and abusing various types of drugs.

During a visit to Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, the Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Mr. Wadahi expressed deep concern about the alarming rate of drug abuse among youths in Enugu and its surrounding areas. He highlighted that the situation is dire, with many young people becoming deeply addicted to substances such as cannabis, tramadol, mkprumiri, cocaine, and heroin.

Mr. Wadahi warned that if the growing trend of drug abuse is not addressed urgently, the consequences could be disastrous for the future. He emphasized the NDLEA’s commitment to changing this narrative, working in collaboration with state policies focused on youth mobilization and empowerment to create a drug-free society.

The NDLEA Chief also pointed out that the rise in criminal activities among youths in towns, communities, and schools across the state is closely linked to drug abuse. He explained that the agency has launched a “Save Our Family” campaign, conducting sensitization tours across communities, schools, and public institutions to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.

During his visit, Mr. Wadahi appealed to Igwe Asadu, the traditional ruler of the Edem/Ogwgwu ancient kingdom and former Chairman of the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers, to partner with the NDLEA in the fight against drug abuse. The agency also presented Igwe Asadu with the title of “Ambassador of War Against Drug Abuse” (WADA), urging him to use his influence to spread the anti-drug message throughout the state.

The NDLEA has introduced a drug integrity analyzer capable of detecting up to 15 different drugs that a person may have consumed over time. Mr. Wadahi encouraged families to use this tool to monitor the drug use of their wards and children, including the intake of cannabis, tramadol, cocaine, mkprumiri, and heroin. He noted that the analyzer is available for purchase by schools, communities, and families across Enugu State.

Additionally, Mr. Wadahi mentioned that the Enugu State NDLEA command operates a rehabilitation center that has been active for the past 10 years. The center provides treatment, rehabilitation, and counseling to about 20 clients at a time, with a team of doctors, nurses, psychologists, and counselors dedicated to helping individuals recover from addiction.

In his response, Igwe Asadu expressed gratitude for the honor of being named an Ambassador of War Against Drug Abuse. He affirmed that the fight against drug abuse is a collective responsibility that extends beyond Enugu State and vowed to tackle the issue with utmost seriousness. Igwe Asadu pledged to spearhead the campaign against drug abuse throughout the state, ensuring that traditional rulers actively participate in educating youths about the dangers of substance abuse.

He also announced plans to erect billboards promoting the NDLEA’s anti-drug campaign with the slogan “If you see something, say something,” to be displayed in communities across the state.

Igwe Asadu emphasized that the War Against Drug Abuse must reach the most remote parts of Enugu State to protect the youth from the perils of drug addiction. He called on community leaders, school principals, and families to adopt the NDLEA’s drug integrity analyzer as a tool to monitor and curb drug abuse, aiming to make Enugu a safer place for both youths and adults.