The Lagos State Police Commissioner, Edgal Imohimi, on Tuesday blamed increase in crime on drug abuse, calling for a declaration of state of emergency on the menace.
Imohimi made the call during a seminar organised by the Crime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria, with the theme: “Stop the Stigmatization of Ex-Drug Users and Human Trafficking.”
The seminar was to mark World Day Against Drug and Human Trafficking.
Imohimi said four out of every 10 young persons would be involved in drug soon if nothing was done about it by parents, guardians and those in authorities.
He called on other security agencies for synergy in tackling the menace.
He advised that security agencies should not limit themselves to enforcement, noting that sensitisation was important.
He said: “The issue of drug abuse has been a major problem.
“In fact, I feel we need to declare a state of emergency on drug abuse in Nigeria.
“We need to ask ourselves how we got here.
“Drugs had been there since we were young but the difference is that we had parents that cared; we had family structures, but now, all are broken down.
“Societal values are gone. Family is supposed to be a platform upon which every other thing grows.
“If that family influence is missing, one ends up being vulnerable to crime.”
Imohimi regretted that some parents had become afraid to confront their children over drug abuse.
He said: “Before now, the school cared about the conduct of students, but now no one cares.
“Religious leaders should dedicate time to tell the people evils of drug abuse.
“It is only a sane society that listens to spiritual message. We will continue to do our own part.
“I want a safe environment where our children can grow up to contribute their quotas to the development of the society.”
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