In an effort to promote harmonious relationships and peaceful coexistence among communities in Boki Local government area, Chairman of the Council, Eti-Eka Beatrice Etta Nyiam has called for partnership with communities, to fight drug-related social problems in the area.
She made the call during, a-peace-building engagement meeting with Stakeholders of Buda Ward in Kachuan Irruan of the Council.
Nyiam noted that, even where boundary disputes have long strained relations among communities in Boki, Buda Ward stands out as a beacon of peace and resilience.
“I am happy that the people of Buda have lived harmoniously for years, resolving differences in commending ways that have always avoided the conflicts that plague other communities and neighbouring areas.” She said.
Charging the leaders to ensure that people engaging in illicit drug abuse are reported and arrested by the Law Enforcement authorities, the Chairman assured them that government would open partnerships access with the communities with regards to finding long-term solutions to drug abuse.
She therefore, charged them to leave no stone unturned in this fight, stressing that offenders must be made to face the wrath of the Law, irrespective of gender and age. and emphasized that if nothing is done in this direction, the future of tomorrow generation is blink.
Also speaking, Vice Chairman of Council, Hon. Lawrence Obi Akan, noted that illicit drug taking has also been encouraged in Boki by people who are Landlords to the drug peddlers and as such, all hands must be on deck in the fight to curb the menace.
In his contribution, retired Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police and Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr. John Abang, said, ” The fight against illicit drug abuse cannot be won by security agencies alone, communities must take ownership, guiding their youth while working with the security personnel to building a safer and more resilient society”.
The Divisional Police Officer of Boki, Oden Arikpo, reinforced the message of cooperation between the communities and the Police, stating, ” The Police is always ready to work with the people but with community vigilance and early intervention, we can stop this menace before it destroys more lives”.
Earlier, Comd. Osang Abua Peter, Commander, 30-Member Vigilante, informed the Chairman and the Security Team on the increasing rate of hard drugs in the communities, which he described as the most pressing concern in Buda and pleaded for urgent intervention from government.
In the peace- building engagement meeting were officials of the Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, SA to the Chairman on Peace and Security, Media, Cland Heads, youth, Community Chairmen and Women Leaders.
