National President of Ilorin Emirate Development Progressive Union, Alhaji Othman Otta and Professor of neuro-anatomy, Moyosore Ajao, have attributed the rising incidences of drug abuse and cultism in Ilorin, Kwara state capital to moral decadence and poor parental upbringing.

Otta specifically, said that pockets of cult-related clashes in parts of the Ilorin metropolis were alien to the town which is noted for its Islamic scholarship and sophistication.

Speaking at a public lecture on drug abuse and cybercrime organised by Ilorin Likeminds Foundation, the IEDPU president added that "substance abuse is being the recent upsurge in cult-related bloody street brawls in the metropolis".

He urged parents not to shrink in their responsibility in inculcating the age-long and venerated Ilorin Islamic culture in their wards.

Speaking on drug abuse and ethics, Professor Ajoa, who is the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, University of Ilorin, said that "there is no community in Ilorin where we don't have incidences of drug abuse".

"Africa accounts for 50 per cent of global drug abuse as of the year 2018. There is also the emergence of new psychoactive substances.

"It is easy for anyone to conclude that the abuse of these plants is contributing to the growing moral decadence and increasing incidences of psychiatric and criminal related disorders reported among the youths and some adults these days," he added.