Drug Abuse: Nigeria’s Silent Killer and the Tragic Fate of Latif Aduku

By Paul Onehi

Drug abuse has become a devastating issue in Nigeria, wreaking havoc on countless lives. In June 19, 2023, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) chairman, Buba Marwa, revealed some alarming statistics at the joint press conference with the United Nations Office on Drugs and crime (UNODC). Marwa announced that the NDLEA had apprehended 31, 675 drug offenders, securing 5,147convictions and seizing an astonishing 6,3 million kilograms of illicit drugs.

According to the 2022 report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), a staggering 14.3 million Nigerians, representing 14.4% of the population aged 14-65, are struggling with drug abuse.

Drug abuse has become a grave issue in Nigeria, affecting the lives of many young individuals and families across the country. It is a menace that has silently crept into our society, destroying lives, dreams, and futures. Among the many heartbreaking stories of drug abuse, one stands out in its tragic intensity, the story of Latif Aduku, a young man from Oyo State who now resides in Lagos.

Aduku’s story is like that of many others in Nigeria, a story of how easily one can fall into the clutches of drug addiction. Growing up in a humble household, Aduku had big dreams and ambitions. He was a smart and talented young man, with a passion to further his education and a bright future ahead of him. However, that all changed when he moved to Lagos for work and was exposed to a life of drugs.

Aduku narrated how he got involved in drugs said, “I had friends who smoked cigarettes, I see it as a bad thing, but in life never judge an action until you are involved in it.

It started innocently enough, with Aduku trying out cigarettes with his new friends. He thought it was cool, a way to fit in and have fun. Little did he know that this seemingly harmless experiment would turn into a full-blown addiction. As Aduku’s drug use increased, so did the negative effects on his life.

Aduku attribute his struggles to peer pressure, revealing that his desire to fit in and feel accepted by his friends led him down a trouble path.
“I also wanted to hear people share their experience of how they took things like codeine, cough syrup that got them high and drowsy. These feeling and peer pressure entice me to all these, and I abuse all sorts of drugs then, ranging from crack, cocaine to smoking all sorts of cigarettes. I did codeine, I abused alcohol, I took cigarettes, I took rephnol, siphnol, and all sorts of drugs, “he noted.”

I had a perfect up bringing, a comfortable life, a promising academic career, and an active role in my church community. But despite having everything o needed, I still fell prey to drugs addiction. My parents were stunned when they discovered my secret, and I tried to turn my around, but unfortunately, my situation only spiraled further out of control, “he reflected.”

His work performance declined, he lost interest in furthering his education, and his relationships suffered. He became isolated, moody, and paranoid. Aduku’s family and friends noticed the changes but were unable to reach out to him. They had no idea the extent of his addiction until it was too late.

Aduku’s addiction had become his life, and he would do anything to feed it. He started stealing from his family and friends to buy drugs. His once bright future was now a distant memory, and his family was left heartbroken, unable to recognize the person Aduku had become.

But the story doesn’t end there. After years of struggling with his addiction, Latif finally hit rock bottom. He found himself in a rundown rehabilitation center, surrounded by other drug users. It was there that Aduku realized the magnitude of his addiction and the damage it had caused to his life.

With the help of dedicated counselors and support from his family, Aduku was able to overcome his addiction and turn his life around. Today, he is a counselor at the same rehabilitation center, using his experience to help others who are battling drug addiction.

Aduku’s story is a testament to the devastating impact that drug abuse has on individuals and their loved ones. It is a reminder that no one is immune to the dangers of drugs, and it can happen to anyone, regardless of their background or upbringing.

The sad reality is that Aduku’s story is not unique. In Nigeria, drug abuse has become a widespread problem, especially among the youth. Easy accessibility and peer pressure make it challenging to resist the temptation of drugs, even for those who never intended to use them in the first place.

As a society, we must raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and provide support to those struggling with addiction. We need to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals to seek help without fear of judgment or stigma.

“It is really destroying the youths, destroying destinies and destroying the lives of young ones, together, we can break the cycle of drug abuse and save lives, he advised
He also advised parents and guardians of people still doing drugs to seek professional help.

Aduku’s story serves as a stark reminder of the destructive nature of drug abuse. It is a menace that has affected many lives in Nigeria, and it is time for us to take action. Let us not wait for more tragic stories like Aduku’s, but instead, let us come together to combat drug abuse and create a better, drug-free society.