The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Commander in Anambra State, Mr. Sule Momodu, has taken the war against drugs to the church saying the abuse of banned substances among youths in the state has increased in the recent time.

Speaking at Dunamis International Gospel Church in Awka, the NDLEA boss urged parents to keep watch over their children who he said often times are influenced by their peers in school.

He reeled out the drugs that have been abused in the state to include, crack cocaine, cannabis, methamphetamine, cough syrups containing codeine, etc.

Momodu said the command has resolved to deal decisively with anyone caught indulging in drug related offences adding that the command’s target is a drug free state to cap the good security that is already in place in the state.

He called on people to report anyone suspected of selling drugs saying: “Drug peddlers are wicked. They don’t mean well for drug abusers because their interest is money.

Drugs kill. Parents please keep close watch over your children, monitor people they keep as friends, check their rooms from time to time, if you see things like match box or perceive the odour of incense especially when your child is not deep into religious activities, ask questions, to find out what is going on.

“People should report people in their environment that don’t have any means of livelihood but living in affluence to the authorities. Report anybody in your compound that deals on drugs to our office, we will protect your name.”

Momodu observed that some students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University are involved in drug abuse without knowing the implications. He advised youths to shun in-take of hard drugs adding that drug abuse can lead to brain damage, memory loss, madness and all forms of crime and illegal activities.

He noted that the agency would continue to sensitise the youths in the state, especially students on the dangers inherent drug abuse.

On his part, the Resident Pastor, Dunamis International Church, Pastor Benjamin Enenche, advised youths to avoid company that would lead them astray.

He called on parents to monitor the kind of friends their children keep saying: “May God not give you children that will be terror but children that will be a blessing to you, their generation and our nation, Nigeria.”

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