Drug Abuse, Cultism, Ritual Killings Threatening "very fabric" of Nigeria: Faith Leaders

"Failure of the judiciary system to hold culprits accountable, thereby allowing the reign of impunity," has contributed to the spread of the triple epidemics, officials of Caritas Nigeria,

AFJN-N, and DJP say in their statement following the May 17-19 workshop that was held at the Resource Centre of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria.

To tackle the “tide of this triple menace” in Nigeria, they call on the government to mobilize the relevant agencies “to join efforts to cut the supply chain of drugs both internal and external to stop the supply of drugs to our youths.”

The government ought to address the country’s porous security system and establish appropriate mechanisms for rehabilitation and safeguarding against drug abuse, including functioning tool-free phone lines for drug-related emergencies, the faith-based leaders say in their statement issues following the workshop held under the theme, “Tackling Drug Abuse, Ritual Killings, and Cultism”.

On their part, the faith leaders say they will "undertake comprehensive sensitization programs in our schools, local communities, faith groups, and other institutions within our reach", and add that they will work with parents "to build their parenting capacity that enables a trusting environment in the family."

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They say the government needs to integrate life skills and drug education in the school curriculum, and express their commitment to continue working with victims of the "triple menace" through rehabilitation initiatives.

Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.