The President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has condemned the growing rate of involvement of young people in crimes promoted by the “excessive” consumption of “hard drugs” in Nigeria.

 

In a recent report by the information service of Propaganda Fide, Agenzia Fides, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji  of Nigeria’s Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri said that the escalation of youth drug abuse is among the causes of high crime rates in the West African country.

"Explosion of crime in Nigeria is linked to the spread of drugs among young people," Archbishop Ugorji said, and added, "Our young people are excessive consumers of hard drugs and do all kinds of unimaginable things. They arm themselves, steal and kidnap fellow citizens."

In expressing concern over the escalating drug abuse situation in the country, the CBCN President referred to Nigeria’s 1967-1970 civil war, saying, “It seems that we are suffering more than during the 30-month war between Nigeria and Biafra, caused by the sheer greed of our leaders.”

He further emphasized that the local community is aware of the individuals responsible for the crimes, noting that they are not from outside.

 “The perpetrators of these crimes come from our communities… They are not really unknown gunmen, as they are often described,” the Local Ordinary of Owerri Archdiocese since June 2022 said.

According to a 2018 report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), one in seven people globally has used drugs within the past year. The report further reveals that one in five individuals who have used drugs are currently experiencing drug-related disorders.

UNODC reported that drug abuse is the main cause of violence among people and the victims get involved in "theft, burglary, prostitution and shoplifting."