Alarm in Asaba as Drug Abuse Spreads Among School Children, Community Leaders Demand Urgent Action

There is growing concern in Asaba as community leaders warn that drug abuse among primary and secondary school students is rapidly escalating into a full-blown social crisis.

A community leader, Ifeanyi Emeka, raised the alarm during an interview with journalists, describing a disturbing trend where school-age children abandon classrooms during school hours and roam the streets in uniform, engaging in substance abuse and other risky behaviours.

According to Emeka, the problem has become widespread across key parts of the state capital, with increasing reports of truancy and street culture among students.

He noted that instead of attending lessons, many students now loiter in public spaces, exposing themselves to negative influences and dangerous habits.

Corroborating the concerns, Azubuike Oko said there is a noticeable shift in the attitude of young people toward education.

“Education is gradually losing value among some youths. Drug use is now being seen as a form of social belonging rather than a danger,” he warned.

Residents identified several locations where students are frequently seen engaging in these activities, including Ogbogonogo Market, Ibusa Junction, Market Square axis, ShopRite Mall area, Summit Junction, Mariam Babangida Way, and other red zones.

At these locations, school children are often spotted begging motorists and passersby for money, allegedly to fund drug habits.

Stakeholders have linked the worsening situation to the discontinuation of the Delta Edumarshal initiative introduced under former governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

The programme, which was later scrapped during the administration of Ifeanyi Okowa, was widely credited with reducing truancy, drug abuse, and juvenile delinquency, while promoting discipline and school attendance.

According to observers, the absence of the initiative has coincided with a rise in street culture, youth-related crime, and declining academic performance.

A former Edumarshal officer, Ajuwa Victor, described the current situation as alarming and requiring urgent intervention.

“The level of drug abuse among school children today is deeply troubling. Government and security agencies must act decisively,” he said.

Community leaders are now calling on Sheriff Oborevwori to urgently revive the Edumarshal programme, arguing that its return could help restore discipline, curb drug abuse, and ensure children remain in school during academic hours.

They insist that without immediate action, the state risks raising a generation vulnerable to addiction, crime, and poor educational outcomes.