Members of the Kogi State House of Assembly have expressed their concern over the prevalence of hard drug use among young people in the state.
This issue came to light after a motion of urgent public importance was proposed by Bin Ebaiya Shehu Tijani, the representative for Lokoja I, who advocated for the creation of a rehabilitation center designed to address the needs of victims of abuse, including drug addiction, sexual assault, and mental health issues.
Tijani highlighted that this situation has resulted in the tragic loss of numerous young lives in the state.
While expressing concern over the rising prevalence of drug abuse and other social vices in Lokoja and other regions of the state, the legislator highlighted that issues such as rape and gender-based violence are also rampant, causing significant trauma to the victims.
He bemoaned the absence of a rehabilitation center in Kogi State to address these issues, resulting in many seeking treatment from unqualified care providers.
He said, “It is imperative for the State Government to establish a rehabilitation center in Kogi State in view of the increasing cases of abuse and the resultant mental injury or trauma and abuse.
“When the rehabilitation center is established, it shall provide physiotherapy, occupational therapy and other rehabilitative treatments for physical or mental agony,” he stated.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the center’s role extends beyond treating addictions to providing legal support for gender-based violence and child rights laws, thereby contributing to a decrease in crime rates in Kogi State.
The Deputy Speaker, Mrs. Comfort Ojoma Nwochiola Egwaba, who presided over the session, also acknowledged the relevance and importance of the motion, instructing the clerk to relay the resolution passed by the House to the state government.
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