Kogi Assembly proposes establishment of rehabilitation centre to address drug abuse

Members of the Kogi State House of Assembly have decried the illicit intake of hard drugs by some youths in the state.

In a motion of urgent public importance moved on the floor of the assembly on Friday, the member representing Lokoja I State Constituency, Bin Tijani, called for the establishment of a rehabilitation centre to cater to the needs of victims of abuse, such as drugs, rape, and other mental challenges. He noted that this has led to the death of many youths in the state.

While lamenting the increase in drug abuse and other social vices in Lokoja and other parts of the state, the lawmaker stated that besides drug abuse, rape, and gender-based violence are prevalent and have also caused significant trauma for the victims.

He lamented that Kogi State has no rehabilitation centre to cater to such victims, which has led many to resort to unprofessional caregivers.

The lawmaker pointed out that one non-governmental organisation, MOHAB, is overwhelmed by the provision of care for such victims, adding that efforts to draw the attention of the state government to assist the victims have not yielded results.

“It is imperative for the state government to establish a rehabilitation centre in Kogi State in view of the increasing cases of abuse and the resultant mental injuries or traumas. When the rehabilitation centre is established, it shall provide physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitative treatments for physical or mental anguish,” he stated.

The lawmaker added that, besides treating addictions, the centre would provide operational support for relevant laws on gender-based violence and child rights law, as well as help reduce crime in Kogi State.

The Deputy Speaker, Comfort Egwaba, who presided over the sitting, stressed that the motion was timely and directed the Clerk to convey the resolution of the House to the state government.