Boki Council Chair Appeals to Cross River Community for Collective Fight Against Drug Abuse

Beatrice Etta Nyiam, Chairman of Boki Local Government Council in Cross River State, has underscored the importance of a united front in tackling illicit drug use and trafficking in the community.

Addressing stakeholders at a peace-building meeting in Buda Ward, Kachuan Irruan, Nyiam urged community leaders to report drug users and peddlers to law enforcement agencies, stressing that offenders—regardless of age or gender—must be held accountable.

“We must work together. I charge you as leaders to report anyone engaging in illicit drug abuse to the police or NDLEA,” Nyiam said.

She praised the ward’s longstanding peaceful coexistence despite previous boundary disputes but warned that rising drug abuse threatens this stability. The Council plans to strengthen partnerships with communities to develop lasting solutions.

Vice Chairman Lawrence Akan highlighted the role of landlords who rent to drug dealers in exacerbating the problem. Retired AIG and Governor’s Security Adviser, Mr. John Abang, called on communities to take ownership of youth guidance and collaborate closely with security agencies.

Commander of the Buda Vigilante, Osang Abua Peter, raised alarm over the increasing drug use, labeling it the ward’s most pressing security concern.

The meeting saw participation from NDLEA officials, Civil Defence Corps, community leaders, youth groups, and women leaders, all pledging support for the Council’s anti-drug campaign.