Truancy, Substance Abuse Surge Among Asaba Schoolchildren, Leaders Demand Action
Growing Concern Over Youth Drug Abuse
THERE is mounting concern in Asaba over what community leaders describe as a disturbing rise in drug abuse among primary and secondary school students.
Residents and stakeholders warn that the trend is fast evolving into a social crisis, with increasing numbers of schoolchildren reportedly abandoning classrooms during school hours to engage in substance use and other risky behaviours.
The situation, according to local observers, reflects a broader breakdown in discipline and youth engagement within parts of the state capital.
Students Abandon Classrooms for Street Life
Community leader Ifeanyi Emeka raised the alarm during an interview, describing a pattern where students in uniform roam major areas of the city instead of attending lessons.
He noted that truancy has become increasingly visible, with children frequenting busy commercial zones and public spaces.
“These are school-age children who should be in classrooms, but instead, they are on the streets, exposed to harmful influences,” he said.
Reports indicate that such activities are not isolated incidents but are becoming widespread across multiple neighbourhoods.
Hotspots Identified Across the City
Residents have identified several locations where the trend is most prevalent, including Ogbe-ogonogo Market, Ibusa Junction, Summit Junction, and the vicinity of ShopRite Mall.
At these locations, students are often seen loitering, engaging in street culture, and in some cases begging motorists and passersby for money.
Community members allege that the funds are sometimes used to sustain drug habits, raising concerns about the long-term implications for youth development and public safety.
Changing Attitudes Toward Education
Stakeholders say the crisis is not only about substance abuse but also reflects a shift in how some young people perceive education.
Azubuike Oko, another community voice, warned that schooling is gradually losing its value among certain segments of the youth population.
“Drug use is being normalised in some circles as a form of belonging, rather than recognised as a serious danger,” he said.
This shift, analysts note, could have far-reaching consequences for academic performance, workforce readiness, and social stability.
Policy Gap Linked to Rising Trend
Observers have linked the worsening situation to the discontinuation of the Delta State Edumarshal initiative.
The programme, introduced during the administration of Emmanuel Uduaghan and later discontinued under Ifeanyi Okowa, was credited with enforcing school attendance and curbing youth-related misconduct.
Former Edumarshal officer Ajuwa Victor described the current situation as alarming, suggesting that the absence of structured monitoring has contributed to rising truancy and indiscipline.
Calls for Urgent Government Action
Community leaders are now urging the Delta State Government, led by Sheriff Oborevwori, to urgently intervene.
Central to their demands is the revival of the Edumarshal programme, which they believe could restore discipline and reduce youth exposure to harmful activities.
They argue that without immediate and coordinated action, the state risks a deeper social crisis involving addiction, crime, and declining educational outcomes.
A Looming Social Challenge
The situation in Asaba highlights the intersection of education, public health, and social stability.
While the immediate concern is drug abuse among schoolchildren, the broader issue points to systemic gaps in youth engagement and policy enforcement.
For stakeholders, the path forward will require not only enforcement but also sustained investment in education, awareness, and community-based interventions to safeguard the next generation.
