Kogi Assembly decries indiscriminate use of illicit drugs by youths

***calls for immediate establishment of rehabilitation Centre in Lokoja

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

Kogi State House of Assembly has called on the State Government to establish a Drug Rehabilitation Centre for rehabilitation of addicts and other victims of illicit drugs use in the state.

The House at plenary in Lokoja, raised alarm over wanton use of illicit hard drugs by Youths in the state in a resolution following a Motion Of Urgent Public Importance raised by Hon. Bin Ebaiya Shehu-Tijani (APC-Lokoja I).

Shehu-Tijani while soliciting the support of his colleagues for the motion regretted that intake of hard drugs by some Youths in the State had caused a lot of trauma and led to the death of many Youths in the State.

The lawmaker reiterated the need restoration of mental health of abusers for a saner society.

He said that the centre would also cater for victims of abuse, rape and other mental and psychological conditions arising from illicit use of the drugs and psychotropic substances noting that they had led to the death of many Youths.

While lamenting that drug abuse and other social vices were on the increase in Lokoja, the state capital and other parts of the State, the lawmaker said cases of rape and gender based violence were prevalent leaving on its trail, traumatized victims .

The Legislator lamented that the lack of a rehabilitation Center in Kogi State to cater for such victims had made many to resort to self help and unprofessional care givers.

The lawmaker pointed out that a Non Governmental Organization, MOHAB, has championed the cause of the victims through provision of care but was being overwhelmed due to lack of assistance from the state government and concerned citizens.

“It is imperative for the State Government to establish a Rehabilitation Center in Kogi State in view of the increasing cases of abuse and the resultant mental injury or traumas and abuse.

“When the rehabilitation center is established, it shall provide physiotherapy, occupational therapy and other rehabilitative treatments for physical or mental agony”, he stated.

Shehu-Tijani added that besides treating addictions, the centre would provide operational support for relevant laws on gender based violence and Child Rights Law and also reduce crimes in Kogi State.

In her ruling, the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon. Comfort Ojoma Nwochiola Egwaba who presided over the sitting also stressed that the motion was timely and was subsequently passed having majority voice votes.

The Speaker pro-tempore directed the Clerk to convey the resolution of the House to the State Government. (Ends)