Residents of Ebom and other communities in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State are facing widespread sleep disorders and other health issues caused by the consumption of harmful substances.

Reports indicate that these substances, which are sold in patent medicine stores across various communities in the state, have led to severe side effects among residents.

Over a week ago, Ebom community in Abi LGA was particularly affected by sleep disorders. This was suspected to be caused either by trypanosomiasis or substance abuse, leaving several residents hospitalized.

As a result, the state government has ordered an investigation into all medicine sellers, particularly patent medicine vendors operating in the area.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Egbe Ayuk, in a statement, directed the directorates of medical and pharmaceutical services within the State Ministry of Health to urgently investigate the activities of local patent medicine sellers in Ebom and surrounding communities in Abi LGA.

Ayuk explained that the directive became necessary after laboratory analysis of blood and urine samples collected from victims at Asi Ukpo Hospital and the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital revealed high levels of benzodiazepines, which are powerful sedatives and depressants.

He emphasized that benzodiazepines are potent and dangerous drugs with potentially fatal outcomes and should never be dispensed without the authorization of a certified medical officer.

The Commissioner assured Cross Riverians that the government would take all necessary steps to bring illegal dispensers of these dangerous drugs to justice.

“The directorates of Medical and Pharmaceutical Services will work closely with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and the State Health Quality and Anti-Quackery Taskforce to immediately commence an inquiry into the stakeholders involved in the misuse of benzodiazepines and other substances in the affected communities,” Ayuk stated.

The team has been given one week to submit its findings. Their mandate includes mapping and scoping the activities of patent medicine vendors and other drug-dispensing outlets in the identified communities, reviewing their certifications and staffing, tracing the suppliers of these substances, identifying any links with public health facilities, examining the health-seeking behavior of victims, and investigating related substance abuse by community members, among other issues.

Ayuk and the Director-General of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Vivien Mesembe Otu, have instructed the team to take swift action to address the situation.