The Central Equatoria State Security Committee has issued a warning regarding a surge in drug abuse among young children and the involvement of government officials in land grabbing activities this week.
During its weekly meeting chaired by Governor Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, the committee discussed several pressing issues affecting the state.
Among these, the committee highlighted the increasing problem of land grabbing by some government officials and the alarming rise in drug abuse, particularly among youth.
Speaking to the media after the meeting at the state Secretariat, Leon Abe Brown, Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agency, emphasized the severity of drug-related issues affecting young children.
He stated, “The involvement of certain dignitaries in land grabbing has become a serious problem. It complicates land disputes, as the process is often hidden, and drugs have a significant influence. We are witnessing many suicides within a week, mostly among young children, linked to these issues. Additionally, in the markets, there are numerous agencies collecting money from traders. While we have laws that designate official rate collectors, we need to ensure that we are assigning the right people and that their activities are transparent. We urge the government to verify the identities of those tasked with collecting rates to prevent abuse.”
The committee’s statements underscore the urgent need for concerted efforts to address drug abuse among youth and curb illegal land activities that threaten the stability and security of Central Equatoria State.