Speaking on Tuesday in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, at the maiden stakeholders’ summit on drug abuse prevention and control themed “Forging common front against drug abuse”, Agwogie in his keynote address disclosed that drug addicts now besiege cemeteries to exhume corpses, gather dry bones which they grind and sniff later.
“Drug addicts have started going to the cemetery to exhume corpses, grind their bones and sniff,” he said.
He however condemned the total ban on substances, arguing that the step was merely taken because of abuse not considering those who need them as recommended medications.
Describing drug abuse as a social menace, Agwogie lamented that Nigeria is one of the worst drug users in the world.
He commended the efforts of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the National Food and Drug Administration and Control in fighting the menace.
In his recommendations for a way out, Agwogie challenged state governments to rather than condemn it into the laps of the two agencies, take firm control by showing renewed interest in the menace.
“All states have drug abuse control committees in their local governments, they should strengthen them and stop over-reliance on law enforcement agencies,” he tasked.
In her contribution at the meeting, the Special Assistant to the President on citizenship and leadership, Ms Rinsola Abiolac, sought the cooperation of state governments in stemming the tide of drug abuse in the country.
Abiola called for the creation of more rehabilitation centres, seeking state governments’ dedicated partnership.
Also speaking at the event the Commander of narcotics in the NDLEA, Kwara state office, Bashir Ibrahim said his men seized 1.8 tons of banned substances which were confiscated in 2023.
