The Chief Imam of Masjid Sahaba in the Kundila area of Kano State, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Othman, has called for a united, faith-based response to address the growing menace of drug abuse and phone snatching across the state.

Speaking in an interview with SolaceBase, the respected cleric, renowned for his deep Islamic scholarship and social activism-described substance abuse as a “catastrophic menace” that erodes the social, political, and economic foundations of any nation.

“Drug abuse is not just a health issue; it is a societal cancer,” Sheikh Bin Othman said. “It fuels thuggery, delinquency, and moral decay. Until we address it holistically, we will continue to suffer the consequences.”

The Imam identified five key factors driving the rise of drug abuse in Kano:  “Availability – The ease with which drugs can be found in society.

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Sellability – The market demand that sustains illegal trade.

Profitability – The financial lure for traffickers and dealers.

Accessibility – Weak regulatory controls that allow drugs to circulate freely.

Affordability – Low costs that make drugs easily obtainable for the poor and vulnerable.”

He stressed that decisive government action is critical, particularly in cutting off supply chains and making drugs neither profitable nor easily accessible.

“If the government is serious, it must block the access. Don’t politicize the problem. Fish out the sources-you know them,” he urged.

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Quoting the Qur’an, Chapter 22, Verse 41, Sheikh Bin Othman reminded leaders of their divine responsibility to promote righteousness and prevent harm:

“Those who are given power-whether political or educational-must uphold prayer, give zakat, enjoin good, and forbid evil. If they fail, Allah will hold them accountable.”

The cleric also placed significant responsibility on parents, lamenting what he described as a widespread failure in child upbringing, especially among urban and rural poor communities.

He criticized the neglect of both Islamic and secular education, noting that many children grow up without basic knowledge or discipline, making them easy prey for drug syndicates and political manipulation.

“How do you raise a child without teaching him his faith or even basic manners?” he asked. “Even the Almajiri system, without reform, becomes part of the problem.”

Sheikh Bin Othman further advised young people and families to prioritize morality over materialism in marriage decisions: “Don’t marry because of money. Marry someone morally upright. Materialism has corrupted our society. We must return to spiritual values.”

He called on government agencies, religious leaders, educators, and parents to unite in the fight against drug abuse and phone-related crimes.

“A single finger doesn’t eat soup, and one hand cannot clap. A tree does not make a forest,” he said, using Hausa proverbs to stress the need for collective action. “We must be serious if we want change.”