By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, – Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA), an NGO, has called on parents to report cases of drug abuse to relevant authorities, including law enforcement agencies.
The president of the organisation, Dr Hope Abraham, who gave the advice in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja, said this would help in the fight against the menace.
Abraham said that the organisation was determined to step up the fight, and provide safety tips on how children could be nurtured and protected from drug abuse and other forms of social vices.
According to him, parents should report drug abuse cases whenever they discover their children or wards are into drugs so that such agency can handle it effectively.
He said that the enforcement agencies and communities needed to form a synergy for tackling drugs and other related issues and evolve the best way to maintain law and order.
“I urge government ministries in charge of drug related issues in the territory to organise a forum on drug abuse and other forms of social vices to help inform and educate the youths.
“There should also be means by which the government will assist children and youths on the streets to be useful to themselves and the society,’’ he said.
Abraham said that most children on the streets have been abusing drugs at early stages of their lives and this has been a major concern.
He explained that such could account for why some youths had lost their consciences and engaged in violent crimes.
He called for closer collaboration between the National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (NDLEA) and NGOs in resettling children on the streets and rehabilitating those who were into drugs.
