Drugs abuse among married women on increase – Yobe emir

Emir of Tikau, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar Ibn Grema, has raised concern over an increase number of married women consuming illicit drugs in his domain, in Nangere local government area of Yobe state.

The Emir who spoke to newsmen, on Sunday at his Palace in Sabon Garin Nangere, said the situation is a social menace that results in high divorce rate and break down of family values in the society.

"To be candid, the drug abuse is the major problem within this community. A lot of married Women and Youths are consuming these illicit substances like Tramadol, codeine, marijuana and other harmful substances.

"It has gone to an extent now that if you go to the local markets in the rural areas you find people selling it openly without any fear of law and order.Because youths, old men and married women are taking it rampantly. I think only prayers will get us out of this mess", he said.

The traditional ruler said, he and the local government Chairman had summoned all their District Heads, Village Heads and Ward Heads and directed them to form community drug fighting groups that will check the activities of drug peddlers in their respective communities.

"We informed the NDLEA officials in our midst that we want to come up with a new approach but we need their own support, so that it will enable us sample some youth to be monitoring the activities of the drug peddlers that bring the substance to the area and sell.