The Rantya Division of the Neighbourhood Watch Nigeria, in Plateau has decried the high rate of cult activities, kidnapping, car theft and consumption of illicit substances by young people in Jos and its environs.
Mr Gagman Boppije, the Commander of the Rantya Division of the voluntary service said this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Jos.
According to him, such unwholesome practice constitutes serious security threat to residents of most part of Jos and its environs.
He explained that to ensure peace and tranquility in the communities, these life threatening challenges must be tackled headlong.
“Currently, in most communities that falls within the Rantya Division, there is a high level of car theft, cultist activities, kidnapping, and consumption of hard drugs by young people and host of others.
“Consumption of illicit drugs is most common in areas like Dadin Kowa, state low-cost and Solomon Lar Amusement park.
“Cultist activities is mostly experienced around Dadin Kowa and Longwa communities, while car snatching is prominent around state low-cost junction, Solomon Lar Amusement park, New Abuja and Kangang,’’ he said.
To address the challenge, Boppije said government must take stringent steps, particularly by supporting his organisation with the necessary funding and logistics to stem it.
He advised government to put in place stiffer punishment for those dealing on hard drugs, adding that it would go a long way in curbing consumption of illicit substances in the state.
The Commander advised government to engage community and religious leaders in the fight against drug addiction, which often leads to the various crimes experienced.
He assured that his organisation would make available its well trained volunteers at all times to support security agencies and government to stamp out criminal activities within the community.
