Moses U Ikoh*, Sam O Smah, Innocent O Kwanya, Uhember A Clemeny, Zuwaira A Aposhi
Previous researches on drug abuse in Lafia Metropolis neglected to investigate factors that motivate youths’ entry into drug abuse and the likely consequences on security. Motivated by this gap in knowledge, the researchers employed a combination of theoretical framework including the Social disorganization theory, Differential association theory, Control theory, and drug subculture, to present predictions as to how “exposure to socio-economic problems”, “parental relations”, “influence of significant and generalized others”, and “availability of drugs within the Metropolis and its neighbourhood” might influence youths entry into drug abuse. The result showed that youths were significantly motivated into drug abuse by social than economic factors. Poor parental relations, availability and ease of accessing drugs within the Metropolis and its neighbourhoods were significant factors that predisposed youths to drug abuse. The implications of drug abuse on security were found in emerging violent crime, illegal activities, and anti-social behaviours perpetrated by youths in the Metropolis. Based on these findings, the researchers recommended, among others, sensitization programme that should target parents on the implications of drug abuse by youths, and banning the roaming of streets by youths (Almajiris) at night in the Metropolis.
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