Hawul LG Chairman Seeks NDLEA Partnership To Combat Emerging Unconventional illicit Drugs
By Madu Mohammed, Maiduguri
The Chairman, Hawul Local Government Area in Borno state, Mr , Inuwa Bwala, had expressed concern over emerging trends in drug addiction with unconventional drugs gaining grounds and called collaboration between the council and the agency in fighting the menace.
Mr. Inuwa Bwala who seek the support when the Area Commander for Southern Borno, of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Auwal Babayo Kumo oaud him a visit in his office in Azard, the headquarters of the council yesterday told the visiting NDLEA commander, along with his officers that, new drugs like “Gum, “Soak and Die,” “Akurkura” and ethanol: all of which are not listed in the International list of prohibited drugs, are now common in the rural areas.
Bwala called for the speedy signing of the amended NDLEA Act, to reflect such dangerous substances as an addition to the international list, stressing that some of the unconventional illicit drugs are even more dangerous that cocaine and heroin or Marijuana.
He told the NDLEA team that, Government is ready to collaborate with the anti drugs agency in discouraging the circulation and consumption of all non rated local drugs.
According to him, , Gum: a chewable local herb, with very high nervous and mental effects, is very common even amongst women, while soak and die, a combination of chemicals used for the preservation of corpses has gained currency amongst youths.
“Akukura, also a local combination is common with drivers, while tramadol, has become a daily drug menu amongst labourers at building and other construction sites”, he added.
The chairman said that many youths have been exposed to these drugs,and called for collaboration with Local Government chairmen in Southern Borno for the establishment of a rehabilitation center in Biu, which products could be ready intakes 8nto the newly built skills acquisition centers in the area.
He noted that youth could still be made useful citizens after exposure to drugs after rehabilitation and enrollment into skills acquisition centers, which are being built in all Local Government Areas by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.
Leader of the NDLEA delegation Auwal Babayo Kumo had earlier briefed the council chairman that, he has been going round to introduce himself as the new helmsman in the area, and to seek for collaboration towards a planned public enlightenment campaign.
He said the area command of the agency has mapped out a multi pronged approach to the fight against trafficking and consumption of illicit and prohibited drugs.
Earlier, the NDLEA commander, Mr.Auwal Babayo said he was in Hawul to seek collaboration with the council chairmen in the fight against drugs and illicit substances.
