Concern is mounting in Asaba as community leaders warn that drug abuse among primary and secondary school students is quickly turning into a serious social problem.
One of the leaders, Ifeanyi Emeka, raised the issue in a chat with journalists, pointing to a troubling pattern where students leave school during class hours, wander the streets in their uniforms, and get involved in drug use and other risky activities.
Emeka explained that the situation is becoming widespread across major parts of the city. Reports of truancy and street involvement among students are on the rise, with many choosing to hang around public places instead of attending lessons, exposing themselves to harmful influences.
Supporting this concern, Azubuike Oko noted a clear shift in how many young people now view education. He warned that some youths no longer see schooling as important, while drug use is increasingly treated as a way to fit in socially rather than something dangerous.
Residents have pointed out several hotspots where these activities are common, including Ogbogonogo Market, Ibusa Junction, the Market Square area, ShopRite Mall surroundings, Summit Junction, and Mariam Babangida Way, among others.
In these areas, students are often seen asking drivers and pedestrians for money, which is believed to go toward sustaining their drug habits. Many stakeholders blame the worsening situation on the scrapping of the Delta Edumarshal programme, which was introduced during the administration of former governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and later discontinued under Ifeanyi Okowa.
The initiative had been credited with reducing truancy, drug abuse, and youth-related misconduct, while encouraging discipline and consistent school attendance. Observers say its absence has coincided with a rise in street culture, youth crime, and declining academic performance.
A former Edumarshal officer, Ajuwa Victor, described the situation as deeply worrying and called for urgent action. He stressed that authorities and security agencies need to respond decisively to address the growing problem.
Community leaders are now urging Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to bring back the Edumarshal programme, saying it could help restore discipline, reduce drug abuse, and keep students in school during learning hours.
They warn that without swift intervention, the state risks producing a generation more vulnerable to addiction, crime, and poor educational outcomes.
