Silent Slaughter: How Drugs Are Destroying Northern Nigeria’s Youth, DFAM WarnsThe Drug-Free Arewa Movement (DFAM) has issued a strong appeal to Northern Nigerian leaders to urgently confront the rising scourge of drug trafficking and substance abuse threatening the region’s future.
In his Eid-el-Kabir message delivered on Friday in Abuja, DFAM’s Lead Convener, Ibrahim Yusuf, voiced serious alarm over the growing devastation caused by drug abuse among Northern youths, describing it as an epidemic that is “silently slaughtering the region’s future.”
While extending his greetings to Muslims celebrating Eid, Yusuf urged political leaders, traditional rulers, lawmakers, religious figures, civil society, and families to recognize drug abuse as a national emergency that demands unified and immediate action.
“This crisis is crippling development, encouraging social vices, and triggering a mental health catastrophe,” Yusuf said. “We are watching our youth — our greatest resource — slip into addiction, unemployment, and despair.”
He emphasized that DFAM is not just advocating change but is actively working on the ground—partnering with communities, schools, and religious institutions to roll out evidence-based strategies aimed at reducing substance demand.
Yusuf called on key regional institutions such as the Northern States Governors’ Forum, their spouses, and the Northern Traditional Rulers Council to confront the issue head-on without fear or hesitation.
“Drug abuse doesn’t care about tribe, politics, or religion—it invades homes, schools, streets, and even places of worship,” he warned.
Drawing inspiration from iconic Northern leaders like Sir Ahmadu Bello and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Yusuf encouraged today’s leaders to uphold their legacies of unity, purpose, and vision.
He urged stakeholders to adopt actionable solutions including:
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Reintegrating out-of-school children
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Establishing drug rehabilitation centers
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Launching school-based drug prevention programs
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Creating real economic opportunities for the youth
“Say no to drugs. It’s a slow killer that steals your future and peace,” Yusuf stated. “And to those already struggling with addiction—you can break free. DFAM is here to support you.”
