Drug Abuse: The Silent Epidemic in Yenagoa

Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, is often described as the city of rising hopes — a place buzzing with youthful energy, ambition, and creativity. But beneath the vibrant surface lies a growing menace: drug abuse. What was once whispered about in corners has now become a silent epidemic sweeping through the streets, schools, and neighborhoods.

Every other day, stories emerge of young boys and girls suddenly losing touch with reality, roaming the streets in torn clothes, muttering to themselves — fresh cases of madness fueled by drugs. For many families, this has turned from a distant fear to a harsh reality.

The Harsh Reality in Yenagoa

The alarming rise of drug abuse among the youth in Yenagoa is no longer just a social problem; it has become a public health crisis. While substances like marijuana have long been known, newer and more dangerous cocktails are making the rounds — mixtures of codeine, tramadol, methamphetamine ("ice"), and even local concoctions like monkey tail (alcohol mixed with cannabis).

The frightening part? Many of these drugs are cheap and easily accessible, often sold in corner shops or peddled in neighborhoods without much restriction. Young people, some as young as 14 or 15, are falling into addiction — not out of luxury, but often out of peer pressure, curiosity, depression, or simply the need to “escape” the harsh realities of life.

Madness on the Rise

What makes this epidemic chilling is the visible madness it breeds. It’s no longer rare to see a young man running naked on the streets of Yenagoa, shouting incoherently, or a young girl losing her mental balance after abusing substances. These are not isolated cases — they are multiplying daily.

The phrase “fresh madness” has sadly become common in conversations across town. Families live in fear, wondering if their child might be next. What makes it worse is the stigma: once someone is tagged “mad,” society turns its back, forgetting that behind the madness is a human being — someone’s son, someone’s daughter.

Why the Silence?

Despite the alarming rise, drug abuse in Yenagoa is still spoken about in hushed tones. Some people blame “bad friends,” others blame poor parenting, while many simply look away, hoping it won’t touch their own family. But silence has only allowed the crisis to grow.

Truth is, drug abuse thrives in environments where there is poverty, unemployment, lack of recreational activities, and weak enforcement of drug laws. With limited rehabilitation centers in Bayelsa, many victims are left untreated, roaming the streets until they completely lose themselves.

Breaking the Cycle

The silent epidemic can no longer remain silent. If Yenagoa must protect its future, urgent steps are needed:

• Awareness and Education: Schools, religious institutions, and community leaders must openly address drug abuse and its consequences.

• Parental Vigilance: Parents need to pay closer attention to behavioral changes in their children and know who they associate with.

• Rehabilitation Programs: Government and private organizations must invest in rehab centers where addicts can recover instead of being abandoned.

• Stricter Regulations: Easy access to drugs must be curtailed through tighter laws and consistent enforcement.

• Youth Engagement: More opportunities for skill acquisition, sports, and creative outlets can help young people channel their energy positively.

A Call to Action

Drug abuse in Yenagoa is not just “their problem.” It’s our problem. Every new case of madness is a reminder that a generation is at risk. If this silent epidemic is ignored, the cost will be a lost future — wasted talents, broken families, and shattered dreams.

Now is the time for conversations, interventions, and collective responsibility. Young people in Yenagoa deserve better than a future dictated by addiction. They deserve hope, guidance, and a society willing to fight for them.