CRIME
Ministry Takes Campaign Against Drugs Abuse to Abuja Streets
By Blessing Bature-Akpakpan, Abuja
As Illicit drugs continuously prove to be an insidious threat that fuels terrorism, instigates corruption, undermines economic development, leading to low moral decedent, the Ministry of Humanitarian Services, Disaster Management and Social Development has taken the campaign to root out the scourge to the streets of Abuja to educate and inform the youths and other vulnerable groups on the danger posed by indulgence in illicit drugs and substance abuse as well as illicit trafficking and called for synergy with religious organizations, civil societies and other stakeholders to combat the menace.
The Minister, Hajia Sadiya Umah Farouq who was represented by the Director Social Development Mallam Mansur Kuliya who made this known during the awareness campaigns against drugs and substance abuse and illicit trafficking on Tuesday in Abuja.
“This year’s awareness campaign Facts On Drugs, Save Lives, with the theme ” Share at Combating Misinformation and Promoting Sharing Facts on Drugs” aimed at addressing the health risks and bring solutions to tackle the world drug problem, from evidence- based prevention, treatment and care.
“The theme which is yearly raised by the United Nation’s office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse, and raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to the society, is supported each year by individuals, communities, various organizations and government (Nigeria inclusive) all over the world”. And all hands must be on desk to combat this social menace in our society.
Farouq said the ministry has taken several actions in a bid to curb the rising drug issue among the youth in our country, had also keyed into this campaign last year and will continue to do all within its power to take this campaign further to the grass roots.
“The abuse of alcohol and other substance results in family crises, untimely deaths, different social Vices and jeopardize many aspects of family life, sometimes resulting in death, the ministry is working towards creating synergy religious organizations, actors/actress heads of schools (both tertiary and secondary) that will bring their professional inclination, to raise fore bearers who would ensure the campaian gets to every nook and cranny of the society,” she said.
The campaign against drug and substance abuse which we started different relevant MDAs, civil societies and for the first time this year last year is geared towards reaching the grassroots through the involving movie stars, to work together to bring about decrease of drug abuse and creating awareness on the impact of drug abuse on the society and the individuals involved.
She explained that the fight against drug abuse cannot work if it is not done collectively and universally, as we all have roles to play. Parents, guardians, village heads, government, NGOs and the civil society have a role in preventing our children from addiction and drug use, and how do we do this if we don’t listen and care? It starts from the family unit, to our schools, churches, mosques and work places. It is not just about sending messages but about how we listen, care, advice, counsel and monitor who they hang around and their peers.
CRIME
Police Detain 2 Suspects, Recover 25 Stolen Phones in Borno
The Nigerian Police Command in Borno has apprehended two suspects and recovered 25 stolen mobile phones during a stop-and-search operation along Damboa Road, in Maiduguri.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, disclosed this in a statement in Maiduguri on Wednesday.
Daso explained that the suspects, identified as Ibrahim Abubako, and Ibrahim Mohammed, were intercepted by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) on Dec.
10 while riding a tricycle.He said that during the search, the operatives uncovered various mobile phones reportedly stolen from individuals across communities and villages along the Borno -Adamawa State border.
He identified some of the communities as Mubi, Tashan Alade, Miringa, Kwaya Kusar, and Biu Local Government Area of the state.
The spokesman said that during interrogation, the suspects confessed to snatching the phones from their victims.
“The police have initiated efforts to return the recovered devices with their rightful owner.
“Also, the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” he said.
Daso reiterated the commitment of the Police Commissioner in the state, Yusufu Lawal, to maintain public safety during the Yuletide season. (NAN)
CRIME
Niger Police Command Arrests Three Suspects over Assault on Council Boss
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
Days after the Chairman of Katcha local government area of Niger State, Danlami Abdullahi Saku was assaulted and seriously injured over his inability to settle a campaign loan he obtained, the State Police Command said three suspects were now in their custody over the incident.
Niger State Police Command Spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun in a release on Wednesday said On 16/06/2024 at about 1800hrs, information was received at Katcha Div that the Chairman Katcha LGA Hon.
Danlami Abdullahi Saku was attacked by some miscreants along Saku-Gadza village after the Sallah prayer at his village Saku, Katcha LGA.According to the Police Public Relations Officer, the attack was allegedly reported to be linked to a debt issue between the Chairman and one Yanda of the same area.
He noted that the Chairman sustained serious injury during the attack and he was taken to Gen. Hospital Bida, and later referred to another hospital for further treatment.
A preliminary investigation was conducted at Katcha Div and three suspects were later identified, apprehended and transferred to Bida Area Command.
The suspects arrested are; Alh. Abdullahi Kasimu 68yrs of Gadza village, Katcha, Alh. Baba Moh’d 30yrs of the same village and Ahmadu Moh’d 25yrs.
The suspects were transferred to SCID on June 21st for discreet investigation and prosecution.
“During interrogation, Kasimu narrated that he lent the victim over a million naira since August, 2023 and that several attempts to recover the money proved abortive.
“He further said that on June 16th, the victim promised to come and see him, and while he was on the way after the Sallah prayer, his son Ahmadu Moh’d, his in-law Alh. Baba Moh’d among others accosted the Chairman, had an altercation and inflicted serious injuries on the victims”
The State Police Command acknowledged that the victim was about to transfer the money to him at the point before being rushed to the hospital.
However, the suspects are under investigation in SCID, Minna. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend others at large, and they will be charged to court for prosecution immediately after investigations.
CRIME
Chief Imam’s Sallah Ram Stolen in Jos
There was a drama as the sacrificial ram of the Chief Imam of the Mista Ali community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Imam Abdulkadir went missing on the eve of the Ed-el-Kabir.
Abdulkadir’s ram was reportedly stolen during a downpour in the area on the eve of the Ed-el-Kabir.
An Imam in the community, Haruna Yaqub, disclosed this during the sermon, shortly after the two Raka’at prayers.
Yaqub, who condemned the incident, described it as “insensitive”.
He added that the act showed that people lack fear for God.
The Imam said, “The Ram of our Chief Imam, which he purposely brought to sacrifice, has been stolen in the night.
We are really shocked by the incident. We were surprised to hear this story. This means that people are not God-fearing.“It is scary that people have gone to the extent of stealing ram meant for religious activity.”
Speaking further, he urged people to be God-fearing and not engage in either stealing or any act of criminality.
He stressed that everyone will account for their actions on earth and hereafter.
“It is high time people repented and took the path of Allah. It is not too late. People should stop committing bad things and act according to Allah’s commandments,” he urged.