Anambra State is facing a growing crisis of juvenile crime, with alarming numbers of children getting involved in activities like theft, drug abuse, and robbery. An NGO is calling on the government to step in and take decisive action. But what’s driving this trend, and what can be done to turn the tide?
- The Problem: Rising juvenile crime in Anambra State, with kids involved in theft, drug abuse, and robbery.
- The Cause: Broken homes, lack of parental guidance, peer pressure, and drug abuse are major contributing factors.
- The Solution: An NGO urges the government to provide rehabilitation programs, skill training, and community support to address the root causes of the issue.
Anambra’s Troubled Youth: A Ticking Time Bomb?
The Anti-Kidnapping, Human Trafficking, Child Abuse and Drug Abuse Initiative (AKH-TRACADA), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), is raising the alarm about the increasing involvement of children in criminal activities in Anambra State. They’re urging the Anambra government to take immediate action to rehabilitate these young offenders.
Mr. Belonwu Ezeanyaeche, the Executive Director and Founder of AKH-TRACADA, spoke out following a video showing nine children apprehended for various crimes. He believes a combination of factors is pushing these kids down the wrong path. What happens if we don’t act now?
Why Are Anambra’s Children Turning to Crime?
Ezeanyaeche points to several key issues:
- Broken Homes: Instability at home can leave children vulnerable and without guidance.
- Lack of Parental Guidance: Parents need to be actively involved in their children’s lives, teaching them right from wrong.
- Peer Pressure: The influence of negative peers can lead children astray.
- Idleness: A lack of constructive activities can leave children with too much time on their hands.
- Drug Abuse: Substance abuse can cloud judgment and lead to criminal behavior.
“The crucial role parents play in shaping their children’s behaviour and character is important to law and order in the society. The foundation of discipline is laid in the home, where parents teach their children right from wrong,” Ezeanyaeche said.
He also expressed concern over parents increasingly relying on institutions like schools and law enforcement to handle discipline, rather than taking responsibility themselves.
The Danger of Inaction
Ezeanyaeche warns that the situation is critical. “The children’s situation is a ticking time bomb that requires urgent attention to prevent them from becoming hardened criminals.” He fears that if nothing is done, these children could escalate to more serious crimes in the future, even becoming potential recruits for militant or terrorist groups.
A Multi-Faceted Solution: How Can Anambra Save Its Youth?
AKH-TRACADA is calling for a comprehensive approach that includes:
- Immediate Rehabilitation: Providing support and counseling to help children overcome their challenges.
- Skill Training: Equipping children with vocational skills to break the cycle of crime and create opportunities for a better future.
- Community-Based Parental Mentorship Programs: Offering guidance and support to parents to help them raise their children effectively.
- Strict Anti-Drug Action: Cracking down on the supply of illicit substances in known hotspots.
- Proper Education and Training: Ensuring children have access to quality education and opportunities for personal growth.
- Engagement in Sports and Productive Activities: Channeling children’s energy in positive directions.
Parents Must Step Up
Ezeanyaeche emphasized that parents must take ownership of their role as their children’s first teachers, teaching them values and discipline. He calls for parents to be actively involved in their children’s lives, guiding them towards a brighter future.
“The onus is on us to alert the right agencies before this crime incubation center matures into a full-blown crisis. This can be done by taking immediate action to prevent the children from becoming hardened criminals and ensure a safer future for all,” he said.