Goskolo dry gin killed my only son, Plateau woman cries out
Martha Paul, a 60-year-old resident of Tudun Wada Community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau, is expressing concern over the increasing intake of dry gin, known as “Goskolo,” among youths in the state. She tragically lost her only son to the substance, who was a 300 level student of the University of Jos when he died in 2022.
Goskolo, also known as “ogogoro” or “kai-kai,” is a locally made spirit drink that is much stronger than regular alcohol. It is produced in homes and does not undergo the usual processes of gin production. Martha’s son developed complications that affected his internal organs due to high consumption of this illicit drink.
Martha pleads with parents to pay close attention to their children’s activities and urges young people to refrain from taking illicit substances, as drug abuse is dangerous to health and society.
Mr. Agwom Azi, the community leader of Mado in Tudun Wada, also decries the consumption of illicit substances by young people in the area. He attributes the rise in petty crimes and social vices to the high intake of hard drugs and calls for government and relevant organizations to address the drug abuse problem.
Pastor Chukwuma Ukpabi of the Lord’s Chosen Church Abattoir, Jos, echoes the call for a ban on the production and consumption of goskolo in the state. He highlights the health implications of consuming unprocessed drinks and advocates for stiff sanctions on violators. Pastor Ukpabi emphasizes the need for job opportunities and an enabling environment for young people to engage in meaningful ventures instead of resorting to alcoholism and drug abuse.
Mrs. Lana Habu, a businesswoman in Jos, urges parents to be good examples to their children and provide early and quality education to lay a solid foundation and instill sound moral values.
Dr. Victor Shehu of the Plateau Specialist Hospital describes the excessive intake of dry gin and other illicit substances by youths in the state as alarming. He points out the rise in cases of liver and heart-related problems among young people due to this excessive consumption.
The state executive had previously attempted to pass a bill to ban the production, sale, and consumption of goskolo in 2016, but it did not go through the required legislative process to become law. The situation remains a concern for public health and the wellbeing of young people in the state.
