Drug trafficking and cultism are two of the major challenges facing Nigeria’s youth today. Both problems are complex and have deep roots in the country’s social, economic, and political landscape.
Drug trafficking
Nigeria is a major transit point for drugs destined for Europe and North America. The country’s porous borders and weak law enforcement make it an attractive target for drug traffickers. Nigerian youth are often recruited to work as drug couriers or mules. They are often lured by the promise of quick and easy money, but they often end up being arrested, imprisoned, and sometimes sentenced to death and killed.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) estimates that over three million Nigerians are addicted to drugs. The most commonly abused drugs are cannabis, cocaine, and heroin. Drug addiction has a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. It often leads to crime, violence, and health problems.
Cultism
Cultism is another major problem facing Nigeria’s youth. Cultists are often involved in violence, crimes, and extortion. They often target university campuses and secondary schools. Cultism has been linked to a number of high-profile killings in recent years.
There are many reasons why young people join cults. Some young people are drawn to the sense of power and belonging that cults offer. Others are attracted to the promise of wealth and success. Still others are recruited through force or coercion.
Cults have a devastating impact on the lives of their members. They can isolate young people from their families and friends. They can also encourage young people to engage in risky and dangerous behavior.
Different agencies of government are tackling these menaces with various levels of success or lack of it.
What is indisputable is that the monsters are alive and devastating the youths, who are the future of the country.
Much more efforts must, therefore, be intensified to ensure that the challenges are eliminated or drastically minimised for the good of the youths and the countryas a whole.