By Victor Ajuwa
Community leaders and key stakeholders in Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, have expressed deep concern over the growing incidence of drug abuse among primary and secondary school students.
Sources who spoke on condition of anonymity revealed that many schoolchildren are increasingly neglecting their education, showing little interest in attending classes or focusing on their studies.
Instead, a troubling number are turning to substance abuse, often roaming the streets in their school uniforms during official school hours.
Another source disclosed that some students now view drug use as more appealing than education, with a belief that schooling no longer offers them value or direction.
According to reports, several locations within Asaba, including Ogbogonogo Market, Ibusa Junction, Market Square, ShopRite Mall, Summit Junction, and Mariam Babangida Road, have become hotspots where school-aged children solicit money from motorists and pedestrians to fund their drug habits.
Stakeholders recalled that during the administration of former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, the Delta Edumarshal initiative was introduced to curb street culture and encourage school attendance among children.
The program reportedly played a significant role in reducing crime, cultism, and drug abuse, while improving discipline and academic performance.
However, the initiative was later discontinued under the administration of former Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.
Since then, stakeholders claim there has been a noticeable rise in school truancy, street hawking during school hours, increased juvenile crime, and a decline in educational standards.
Traditional rulers, who also spoke anonymously, described the situation as alarming and called for immediate intervention.
They urged the government and security agencies to take decisive action against those contributing to the problem and ensure offenders are held accountable under the law.
The leaders further appealed to the current Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to revive the Delta Edumarshal program as a strategic step toward restoring discipline, ensuring consistent school attendance, and addressing the growing crisis of drug abuse among young people.
