LIVE UPDATES
YOLA, Nigeria - A consultant psychiatrist, Joel Umar, noted that a significant increase in drug abuse has resulted in heightened pressure on both health services and the judicial system in Adamawa.
He made this remark during the observance of the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Yola on Thursday.
He revealed that over 50 percent of patients admitted to the Psychiatric Unit at Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, Yola, between January and June 2025 were related to drug issues.
He emphasized that the situation is similarly reflected in the judiciary, with many crimes committed by youths stemming from drug abuse.
Umar identified ignorance, inadequate parenting, and various societal and environmental factors as drivers of addiction.
He urged parents to intensify their efforts to provide good parenting to protect their children's future.
He also advised the youth that each instance of drug abuse is tantamount to consuming poison.
The NDLEA commander in Adamawa, Aliyu Abubakar, appealed to all stakeholders to join forces with the agency to combat drug abuse and trafficking.
He stated that the agency is dedicated to addressing the challenges posed by drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the region.
