Drug Abuse and Political Thuggery among the Youth in Kano Metropolis:A Modern Civilization or Resource Mismanagement?

Abstract

Most of the world’s development strategies largely depend on the youth. This societal segment is believed to assist in producing sustained economy, social justice and stable democracy of a nation. It is therefore very important if the society could produce a qualitative youth to make these a reality. The primary aim of the research is to understand the relationship between drug abuse among the youth and political thuggery in Kano Metropolis, at the same time, proffer solutions to the problem. Youth were interviewed from some selected drug abuse joints using questionnaire. Also, some drug abuse professionals/specialists were contacted to generate relevant information. Majority of the youth interviewed were  at their tender ages of inducing their peers, involve in political thuggery that calls for rivalry, killings, injuries, opposition clashes etc.  Conclusively,majority of the youth drug abusers are employed, although economicfactors suchas profit maximization encourage drug abuse habit among them. Lack of higher educational qualifications is another factor that pushes the youth into drug abuse and subsequently to politically related crimes. Similarly, political thuggery is also a factor responsible for drug abuse among the youth in the study area.It is however recommended that parents should continue to monitor the movements of their children and the company they keep. Marital disputes should be avoided by the couples themselves. Leaders should stop using the youth in achieving their personal political interests. Religious leaders should have more to say so as to  attain a virile state of political integration.

Keywords: Drug Abuse, Political Thuggery Kano Metropolis and Youth.