By: Omera Ugbede Opaluwa
Kogi State residents facing a silent but deadly crisis through an unchecked influx and widespread consumption of fake, unregulated, and chemically laced alcoholic and energy drinks. These substances, sold under bizarre and suspicious brand names like Striker, Erujeje, Fearless, and others, are becoming increasingly popular, especially among youths and low income earners. However, in disguise, it is a potential public health disaster that threatens to take more lives than the current economic hardship ravaging the nation and my dear state.
My recent visit to my communities Idah, Ugwolawo in Kogi State opened my eyes to this disturbing trend where all the (Provision Shops) or Sit-Out joints i visited these questionable drinks are being sold openly in shops, street corners, and bars, often in unlabeled containers or with flashy branding that masks their toxic content. Unlike the standard beverages available in Abuja or other cities, these drinks are suspiciously cheap, overly potent, and often have an unnatural taste and color with strange names such as;
1. Fearless
2. Striker
3. 2By2
4. Kakaraka
5. Predator
6. Halogen
7. Captain jack
8. Night charger
9. Gbefun
10. Super commando
11. Old port and many more.
My investigations revealed to me that many of these products are being smuggled into the state through the eastern corridors of the country. Lacking any certification from regulatory bodies such as NAFDAC, they escape the scrutiny necessary to ensure public safety. Their origin and content remain a mystery, and yet they flood the local market with ease.
The only charges these smugglers pay is to those Agberos stationed by state/local government to collect different taxes from lorries and cars bringing these things to the communities, no single safety measures put in place.
The continuous consumption of these unverified substances is a ticking timed-bomb that can lead to;
Liver and kidney damage due to toxic chemical content.
Neurological disorders caused by high levels of methanol or industrial alcohol.
Gastrointestinal complications leading to ulcers and internal bleeding.
Sudden death, especially in cases of overconsumption or allergic reactions.
As the above health related issues revealed to me by Google, we also have medical practitioners reading this who can also tell the danger posed by these strange drinks.
Those in Kogi communities especially my own environ listed as example above can testify of strange illnesses and sudden death of some individuals which may be linked to these substances unknowingly.
Sadly, due to a lack of widespread health education and poor surveillance, many deaths go unreported and even linked to spiritual attacks or witchcraft.
Economic hardship pushes some people into taking these drinks, lack of beneficial jobs, lack of safety regulations and health orientation.
This posed danger calls for swift and decisive action from all levels of government and public health institutions.
This should encourage immidiate crackdown on the production, distribution, and sale of unapproved drinks in Kogi State as done by NAFDAC in other states.
Strengthening of NAFDAC presence and enforcement in local markets, especially in rural areas in Kogi State.
Public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the dangers of consuming unregulated products.
Collaboration with community leaders, religious bodies, and youth groups to curb demand and promote healthier alternatives.
Encouraging whistleblowing and provisions of reachable contacts to anonymous reporting of suspicious drink vendors or manufacturers.
The health and safety of Kogi State citizens should not be compromised by negligence or economic desperation of some individual. If these things are left unaddressed, the unchecked spread of fake and toxic beverages may become a public health emergency of irreversible mistake.
This is not a political criticism as some government apologists and Data-Boys may tag it. It is a matter of life and death. It is time for the government, health agencies, and the people of Kogi to rise and confront this growing menace before it consumes more lives including government appointees family members.
The best and the immediate awareness you can create is to share this post on all your platforms and appropriate authorities for awareness and possible action.
Thank you!
