CROSSJOF Lauds Boki LGA Chairperson Hon. Nyiam Over Fight Against Illicit Drug Abuse

Oru Leonard 

Cross Rivers State journalists in Abuja under the umbrella body of Cross Rivers State Journalists Forum (CROSSJOF) has commended the steps taken so far by the Chairman of Boki Local Government Area, Eti-Eka Hon.Beatrice Etta Nyiam to fight drug-related social vices in the council.

This was contained in a press statement jointly signed by CROSSJOF chairperson, Mrs. Francisca Ogar and the secretary, Mr. Raphael Ekpang on Saturday, September 13, 2025.

Drug abuse is mostly caused by peer pressure and social influence, parental neglect or deprivation, lack of control of prescription and dispensing of controlled medicines, decline of family value systems and unemployment and poverty

As a result of these effects, it results in physical and mental health problems as well as impaired cognitive function and academic performance, increased risk of crime and violence and social and economic problems among others.

With these in mind, Hon. Nyiam in a sensitization and peace meeting held in one of the communities in Boki, Katchuan Irruan recently charged the community leaders to ensure that people engaging in illicit drug abuse are reported and arrested by the Law Enforcement authorities. She assured them that the government would open partnership access with the communities with regards to finding long-term solutions to drug abuse.

CROSSJOF calls on communities to take ownership and work with security personnel to build a safer society, adding that public awareness campaigns and education on the dangers of drug abuse should be an everyday commitment by the leadership of the council.

In addition continuous provision of educational and employment opportunities to the youth should be facilitated by the appropriate stakeholders while greater involvement of parents in guiding their children should be encouraged in all ramifications.

Furthermore, Hon. Nyiam in her quest to have a council free of drug abuse charged the leaders and security agencies to leave no stone unturned in this fight, stressing that offenders , especially those who lure unsuspecting young persons into the act for selfish gains must be made to face the wrath of the Law, irrespective of gender and age.

While applauding the timely response by Hon. Nyiam, CROSSJOF having identified drug abuse as one of the major issues confronting the council in particular and the state in general, urged the Boki council chairman and her counterparts in other local government areas in the state to intensify efforts towards eradicating intake of illicit drugs by the youths.

They emphasized the fact that the fight against illicit drug abuse cannot be won by security agencies alone so communities must take ownership, guiding their youth while working with the security personnel to build a safer and more resilient society.

“We want to sincerely commend Boki Local Government chairperson, Eti-Eka Hon.Beatrice Etta Nyiam for taking this bold step to fight drug abuse in the council, because illicit drug abuse has rendered most of our youths useless over time and the only way to correct this menace is to battle it headlong as she has started.”

“CROSSJOF calls on all council chairmen in the state to rise to the occasion and intensify efforts towards eradicating drug intake among youths”.

The statement concludes by working together, communities, government, and security agencies can create a safer and more resilient society.