Some residents of Karu, a satellite town in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have decried an increase in the sale and consumption of illicit drugs and other substances in the community’s abattoir.
The residents, who spoke in separate interviews with journalists on Friday in Abuja, described the development as dangerous to society. They expressed concern that the area had turned into a booming market for all sorts of drugs.
Glory Daniel, a resident, said the situation was unbearable and required restrictive measures to help salvage the area.
“Every day after work, I see these boys eagerly approaching passersby, aggressively advertising illicit substances in small packages.
“Although the police occasionally conduct raids to disperse them, they tend to find their way back the very next day, undeterred and active,’’ she said.
She said it was unfortunate that some patrons of the substances were uniformed officers and children of the wealthy, adding that the transactions were usually made in the open.
Aaron Oladele, another resident, said the growing problem had made it difficult for residents to have a sense of safety without looking over their shoulders.
“Karu abattoir has become a popular area to get `weed’, and it has also drawn outsiders to join them in the act, which has contributed to the rising crime rate in the area,’’ he said.
John Walter said it was unfortunate that some law enforcement officers were accomplices in the illicit trade. He described this as shocking and heartbreaking.
“Sometimes you may see security officers in uniform walking up to these guys in broad daylight to buy this substance. I believe some of these officers take bribes from the boys and look away; this is why they operate openly,” he said.
Celine Ugochukwu, who sells provisions in the abattoir, expressed frustration over the activities of the drug peddlers.
“These boys hang around my shop, smoking and looking for who to either beg or harass since my shop is close to their spot.
“It’s affecting my business because once they are high on the substances, they fight and disturb the peace in the area,’’ she said.
Ms Ugochukwu said different non-governmental organisations, in collaboration with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), had held many sensitisation programmes in the area to no avail.
When contacted, Kabiru Tsakuba, the commander of narcotics at the FCT command, said the command has been trying its best to ensure a drug-free environment.
He warned residents to desist from the sale and purchase of illicit drugs, adding that anyone caught would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
He added that the agency was ready to work with communities to assist it with intelligence on areas where drug activities were high for effective control.
The commander said that the agency was intensifying sensitisation in schools, churches, mosques, and other organisations on the dangers of drugs.
Meanwhile, all efforts made to get the reaction of the Nigeria Police Force proved abortive.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes drugs and substance abuse as “the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs.”
(NAN)
