The chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, retired, Buba Marwa has called for collective action involving families, religious and community leaders to stem the tide of substance abuse, cultism and banditry.

Mr Marwa made the call while delivering a keynote address at a seminar organised by the Ijebu Ode Council of Olorituns in Ijebu Ode, Ogun on Saturday.

In a statement by the NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi in Abuja on Saturday, Marwa said that the theme, ‘Dangers of drug abuse, cultism and banditry among youths’ was timely.

The NDLEA boss noted that collective responsibility must be embraced by all stakeholders to curb the menace of the inter-linked social vices of illicit drugs, cultism and banditry.

He said the triple threat of cult-related violence, rampant abuse of drugs and illicit substances, and the challenge of banditry across various regions, is a reality that must be dealt with decisively.

“While these issues may appear distinct, they are intricately connected, feeding one another in a cycle of destruction that must be broken if our society is to thrive.

“Cultism, once largely confined to tertiary institutions, has insidiously spread into secondary schools and neighbourhoods. What began as secret gatherings has transformed into violent confraternities, often manipulated by political or criminal interests.

“These groups lure young people, often under the guise of brotherhood, protection or empowerment, into a world of fear, violence and premature death. Tragically, the hands of many of our youths have been stained with the blood of their peers, all for false promises of belonging and power,” he said.

The NDLEA boss said that it was projected that the number of people using drugs would increase by 40 per cent in Africa.

“When they say Africa, I want us to think of Nigeria, because Nigeria has one of the highest drug use prevalences in the world,” he stated.

Mr Marwa, however, said that despite the projection by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, all hope was not lost.

“As a nation and as communities, we still possess the power to reverse this trend,” he assured. “The first step is collective responsibility. Parents, religious institutions, traditional rulers, educational authorities and community leaders must rise with one voice against these vices.”

Mr Marwa added, “The family unit must be strengthened as the first point of moral instruction, while schools should be safe spaces that promote discipline, mentorship and awareness.

“We must also invest in youth development by creating opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition and sports. Idle hands, as we know, are the devil’s workshop.

“When our young people find purpose and meaning, they are less likely to seek false validation from cults or drugs.”

(NAN)