The Abia State Government has expressed concern over the rising number of drug-dependent persons receiving treatment and rehabilitation at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) rehabilitation centre in Aba.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwadinma Ananaba, raised the concern on Friday during a workshop organised at Okwu Olokoro community in Umuahia South Local Government Area to address drug abuse among youths.

Ananaba, who was represented by Ijeoma Ogbonna, lamented that many young people who should be contributing positively to their communities and the state had been negatively affected by drug abuse and drug-related crimes.

She urged youths in Olokoro and other parts of Abia State to stay away from illicit drugs and embrace skills acquisition programmes and employment opportunities introduced by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Alex Otti.

Speaking at the workshop, the traditional ruler of Okwu Olokoro, Eze Boniface Izuogu, and the President General of Umuoji village, Nnamdi Nwosu, also expressed concern over the activities of drug dealers and metal scrap dealers in the community.

The Divisional Crime Officer in charge of Ubakala Police Division, Osinachi Ahana, raised an alarm over the high number of crime cases reported from villages in Olokoro, attributing the situation partly to drug abuse among youths.

Ahana disclosed that three young girls were recently trafficked from Olokoro to Burkina Faso for prostitution. He, however, said one of the victims managed to escape from Burkina Faso and returned to Nigeria.

Earlier in his lecture, the Assistant Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Frank Nwaohamuo, disclosed that about 500 people were currently seeking treatment and rehabilitation at the NDLEA rehabilitation centre in Aba.

Nwaohamuo said the facility was originally designed to handle a maximum of 40 cases but was now attending to about 500 people seeking treatment and rehabilitation.

He further disclosed that some persons experience relapse after being discharged from the centre, highlighting the challenges associated with drug rehabilitation and recovery.

The Assistant Commander of Narcotics pledged the commitment of the NDLEA Abia Command to collaborating with communities in the fight against drug abuse.

He also appealed to Okwu Olokoro residents and youths across Abia State to reject drug abuse and avoid activities that could negatively affect their lives and communities.