Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Usman, has called on the state government and other stakeholders to take immediate measure to curb what he called the rising incidences of illicit and narcotic drug consumption by youths in the state.
The traditional ruler who spoke during Sallah festivities at the weekend while paying homage to the Governor Aminu Masari, said that the state is currently leading others in the North in the area of illicit and narcotic consumption of drugs.
Usman, who described the situation as disturbing, called on parents and other stakeholders to monitor their children and wards even as he noted that recently, about 17 trucks loaded with illicit drugs meant for distribution in the state and beyond, were seized by Customs officials in the state.
He said the drug situation was a disturbing trend that needed urgent intervention by the state government among other stakeholders.
He called on the state government to set up more centres for training of youths in different handcrafts to minimise unemployment.
Responding, Governor Masari said a meeting between state government and management of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, had been held on the issue. [myad]
