The Kano State Chairman of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa Ikamatus Sunnah, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Pakistan, has called for stronger prosecution of drug offenders, saying enforcement must go hand-in-hand with community intervention to tackle the state’s growing social challenges.
Pakistan said the failure to ensure that drug offenders face appropriate legal consequences could further undermine efforts to curb drug abuse, violence and other social vices.
He spoke when the Chairman of the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, visited him in Kano.
The former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria urged authorities to make effective prosecution a key component of the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
According to him, controlling the sale and consumption of illicit drugs would help address some of the social and security challenges confronting Kano.
Pakistan commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for establishing the task force, describing it as a strategic response to the drug menace.
He pledged the support of JIBWIS to the initiative and called for broader cooperation among government agencies, religious leaders, traditional institutions and communities.
The cleric also urged the task force to take its campaign directly to vulnerable communities.
He advised officials to work with ward and village heads to organise meetings with identified thugs and other vulnerable youths.
Pakistan further recommended the involvement of Islamic scholars and respected elders who could counsel youths on the dangers of drug abuse, violence and other social vices.
He said the fight against drug abuse could not be left to security and government agencies alone, stressing the importance of community participation.
Pakistan also pledged to mobilise members of the Ulama to pray for the success of the task force.
Earlier, Rimin Gado said his visit was part of the task force’s effort to build partnerships with influential stakeholders in Kano.
He described the Ulama as important partners because of their influence in mobilising communities and shaping public awareness.
Rimin Gado said the task force would sustain engagement with religious and traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders.
He said such collaboration would strengthen efforts to prevent drug abuse, combat illicit trafficking and protect young people from drug-related harm.
The task force chairman thanked Pakistan for his support and commitment to the campaign against drug abuse in Kano.