Expert advocates indepth investigation on sensational stories of violence
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By Talatu Maiwada
Abuja, Oct. 7, 2016 (NAN) Dr Olusola Epharaim-Oluwanuga, a Chief Consultant Psychiatrist with the National Hospital, Abuja, has called for indepth investigation and documentation of sensational stories on cases of violence in the society to create more awareness.
Oluwanuga made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.
She attributed the intake of hard drugs such as cocaine, Indian hemp and alcohol, among others, to the increasing rate of violence in the society, hence the need for indepth investigation.
She said hard drugs, also known as psycho-active drugs affects the mind and the way people think, feel or behaves which could result to an adverse action.
Oluwanuga said that such investigation could reveal the causes, thereby creating more awareness on the dangers of such substances.
“We need to do indepth investigation and documentation in Nigeria of sensational stories on violence.
“This is necessary particularly on how people die from cases of violence in the country with little awareness on the causes of such act.
“We find sensational stories on papers like `man kills wife after lunch’, but details of whether that man acted under the influence of one drug or another may not be included,’’ she said.
Oluwanuga identified alcohol as the most abused drug in the society, noting that it is not illegal however dangerous to humanity.
She said people drive under the influence of alcohol and kill innocent people or get themselves killed.
She added that it could lead to violence among partners or couples further inflicting injury on their partners.
“The whole concept of hard drugs is actually becoming obsolete because drugs are drugs whether they are hard or not,’’ she said.
Oluwanuga explained that the intake of hard drugs could have mental, social and economic consequences on persons or partners who indulge in such act.
“Drug addicts could become homeless; among their drug circle they take temporary residence, because they can no longer hold any job.
“Couples or partners who take such drugs, feeling high under such circumstances, experience lack of patience, which results to argument, fight and even death.’’
Besides, the consultant identified violence and abuse as some of the social ills children could experience when groomed under the influence of drug abuse by their parents or peers.
Oluwanuga noted that children who are exposed at an early age in life indulge in various vices in the society such as drinking, smoking and stealing.
However, she advised Nigerians on the dangers associated with the intake of drugs, urging adults to be role models to the younger generation. (NAN)
TIM/MST/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola