ROLES OF THE CHURCH IN COMBATING DRUGSABUSEIN MANGU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The challenge of drug abuse has been on the increase in Nigeria, especially in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. The focus of this study is to find out the meaning of drug abuse, to investigate the types of drugs commonly abused in Mangu Local Government Area and around the world, to determine the effects of drug abuse, and to examine the roles of the Church in combating drug abuse in Mangu Local Government Area. The data for this study were collected from the field and the library. In the field, the researcher used the qualitative approach to elicit the views of his respondents. The researcher used books, journals, dictionaries, and encyclopedias in the library and internet. The data were analyzed using simple percentages, discussion, and descriptive methods. The study found that the Church has significant roles in combating drug abuse in Mangu Local Government Area, including prayer, teaching and preaching the word of God, seminars, conferences and awareness creation, punishment, counseling and employment. The study recommends that the Church should pray and teach against the menace of drug abuse, the Church should liaise with parents, community, and government in combating the risk of drug abuse, the Church should discipline culprits of drug abuse to deter them and others from getting involved.