The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has decried the high level of drug abuse in Abia State.
The Commander, NDLEA) in Abia, Mr. Dogo Yusuf, said this on Wednesday while commemorating the 2023 International Day Against Substance Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.
Yusuf said the trend manifested in a long line of victims awaiting admission at NDLEA’S rehabilitation centre in Aba.
The event, marked globally, came under thetheme: “People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention”.
He lamented that NDLEA’S rehabilitation center in Aba could not admit all the victims who need rehabilitation because of the large number of victims.
“This is because space is not enough, which is a proof that drug abuse is very high in Abia State.
“That is the more reason Abia residents need to abhor stigmatization and help those who are already in trouble to trace their path back to normal life,” he said.
He said that Abia residents need to support the agency in its effort to end stigmatisation and discrimination against victims of drug abuse.
According to him, stigmatisation against drug abuse victims had over the years prevented such persons from seeking help.
He said drug abuse victims were humans with inherent dignity, deserving understanding, empathy and support needed to make them feel safe, respected and encouraged to access treatment.
The commander, however, noted that his message for the event was the same with that of the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa.
Yusuf urged the people of Abia to stand firm and break down the stigmatization barriers that prevented victims from seeking help.
He said that fighting prejudices and stereotypes hindering victims’ access to healthcare and promoting acceptance, fosters a society that embraces victims on their path to recovery.
He said the Abia Command has been successful in prosecution and convicting drug criminals in spite of serious logistic challenges faced by the agency.
Yusuf solicited assistance in the areas of logistics and vehicle donation, adding that fighting drug in a community needed sound vehicles to reach affected areas.
-NAN