Illicit Drugs Fuelling Crimes In Akwa Ibom – Monarch

The aesthetic beauty of Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital has been gradually defaced by crimes fuelled by illicit drugs use and abuse by youths.

And with tourism becoming one of the key planks of the governor Umo Eno administration’s move to diversify the monolithic oil economy, fears have been raised over the creeping insecurity threatening to sabotage the tourism master plan.

Therefore, the village head of Ikot Ebido Oku, Uyo local government area, Eteidung Ini Bassey Ekong, expressed worry that high level abuse of illicit drugs by youths, forcing them into cultism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes could create a dissonance disposition to visitors, tourists and investors if not curbed.

Coupled with the clusters of youths battling with drug- induced mental health challenges, the traditional ruler, therefore, called on the state government to intensify efforts in tackling the menace.

He noted that such scenario of insecurity could scare the events’ planners to shun the state, thereby rendering huge cash invested in the architectural reinvention of the state wasted, and stressed the need for intense security enforcement to address the situation.

Speaking in an interview during inspection visit to the Primary Health Centre rehabilitated by the chairman of Uyo LGA, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, at Ikot Ebido Oku, the village head noted that “such security intervention by government will deter the youths from perpetuating acts capable of causing damage to government properties after such illicit drugs consumption which often cause restiveness.”

Stressing the need for tight security to prevent vandalism of public assets and utilities, the monarch commended the Council Chairman for taking development of the health centre as important intervention to address the grassroots health challenges.

He particularly lauded the chairman for erecting parameter fence around the premises “to secure the place against vandalism by the youths who are bent on destroying government properties to sell as scraps.”