Students in Ngoma District have called for concerted efforts to reinforce the ongoing campaign against use and sell of illicit drugs, especially among school going children.

The call was made on November 30, during a meeting at the Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre (IPRC) East, that brought together over 100 students selected from primary, secondary and higher institutions of learning in Ngoma.

Edson Nzikwinkunda, a senior three student at Kabare secondary school, noted that with the youth being the most affected, they should be challenged to take the lead in combating the vice.

"As the youth, we are the engine of our country, so we shouldn’t sit back as spectators as drugs ravage our colleagues and relatives cutting their future short,” Nzikwinkunda said.

The students’ commitment and call against drug abuse followed a detailed lecture on the status and effects of drug abuse offered by Rwanda National Police.

"Police has showed us a clear picture of how dangerous drugs can be, but on the other hand, we have been reminded of our role to fight them, and that’s exactly what is expected of us,” Nzikwinkunda added.

While speaking to the students, Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP) Jean Pierre Ndayisaba, the District Community Liaison Officer (DCLO) of Ngoma, urged them to lead an exemplary life free from any sort of criminality and drug abuse in particular.

"Some of your colleagues have dropped out of school because of abusing drugs, so this should leave you challenged on what exactly is your role to ensure that these malpractices are combated,” AIP Ndayisaba told the students.

Drug abuse cases, although have decreased thanks to the vigorous sensitisation and proactive community policing initiatives, remain among the most committed crime in the country.

Students are among the major players in community policing through formed Anti-Crime Clubs in schools. Currently, there are about 810 anti-crime clubs in schools.

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