Marwa urges united action against drug abuse, cultism, banditry among Nigerian youths
Buba Marwa, chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has called for collective action by families, religious institutions, and community leaders to tackle the surge in drug abuse, cultism, and banditry among Nigerian youths.
Speaking on Saturday at the Ijebu Ode Council of Olorituns in Ogun state, Marwa warned that the vices are interlinked, creating a cycle of violence and destruction that must be broken for society to thrive.
He noted that cultism, once restricted to tertiary institutions, has spread to secondary schools and neighbourhoods, luring youths into violence and crime under false promises of belonging and power.
Quoting United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) data, Marwa said drug use in Africa could rise by 40 percent, with Nigeria already among the countries with the highest prevalence rates.
“Parents, religious leaders, traditional rulers, educators, and community leaders must unite to address these vices. Strengthening families, promoting discipline in schools, and investing in youth development will help reduce the lure of drugs and cultism,” he said.
Marwa also urged the creation of opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, and sports, stressing that “idle hands are the devil’s workshop.”
Adebisi Alausa, council chairman and senator Lekan Mustapha praised Marwa’s track record and commitment to safeguarding Nigerian youths.
