NDLEA worries as cultism, drug abuse spill into primary schools

National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has described as worrisome, its finding that cultism, drug abuse and trafficking have spilled int primary schools.

Zonal Commander of NDLEA, Port Harcourt Zone 'N', Mrs Anthonia Edeh, expressed the concern yesterday in a one-day 'War Against Drug Abuse' sensitisation town hall meeting with principals of secondary schools in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.

She urged all school Principals in Akwa Ibom to collaborate with the Agency in tackling drug abuse menace in the schools.

Edeh said, "In addressing drug/substance abuse among youths, there is need to start where peer pressure is playing a role in its prevalence. Our partnership will focus on creating a strong support network. 

"Drug abuse affects not only the individual but also their families and our entire communities. We aim to provide support and resources to those already struggling with addiction, offering helping hand and listening ear. Every person battling addiction deserves a chance at recovery and a brighter future."

The Zonal Commander urged the schools to redirect students' focus beyond classroom activities to extracurricular activities, including debates, quiz competition and sports activities to check tendencies to drug abuse.

She advised the principals to report any suspected case of drug abuse in their schools to NDLEA for quick intervention and rehabilitation.

The State Commander, NDLEA, Mrs Obot Bassey, revealed from research by the Agency that a lot of children in primary, secondary schools and tertiary institutions were involved in drug abuse.

Bassey called on parents not to abdicate their primary responsibility to train their children to place the duty in the hands of teachers alone.

The State Commissioner of Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, urged teachers in boarding schools to constantly check the schools hostel environment to be sure students do not secretly abuse drugs.

To the students, the commissioner warned against jeopardising their future by engaging in drug abuse, stressing that any hard drug addict was sure to destroy his or her health and education.

Akwa Ibom government, she pledged, would continue to collaborate with NDLEA and other relevant stakeholders to sanitise the state from drug menace.