Kebbi residents take to snuff sniffing

Sniffing of snuff also called ‘Shake’ is a new tradition that is gradually becoming taking root among many residents of Kebbi cutting across all age groups.

Years back, snuff sniffing, was synonymous with the Igbo community but it is now becoming the norm among the people in the city.

Initially snuff was only found on the shelves of Islamic Chemist used in the treatment of some ailments but it is now commonly sold in provision stores.

Findings by Caliphate Trust, revealed that snuff is in vogue in the North and that of the Igbo is different as the ingredients used in preparing the two also differ.

The stuff comes in a small rubber container of various colours. The products are

now commonly found with kolanut hawkers who sell them particularly, in motor parks and at traffic lights.

Bello Gwandu, an attendant in one of the Islamic Chemists in the metropolis, said they received supply of the products monthly and could sell as much as two bags of 50kg each.

Though, he said he did not know at what cost his boss buys a bag but added that they sell each container at N200.

According to him, sometimes they run out of stock before the month ended and they had to place order for more supply.

Gwandu said his customers cut across all ages with the elderly in the majority.

“Some buy two to three containers at a time and that within the period of 10 to 14 days they would be back for restocking.

Sani Yakubu, who takes the stuff, told Caliphate Trust that he was introduced to it

seven years ago.

He said whenever he sniffed it he felt more energetic and it enabled him to confront the tasks of the day with vigour.

He said it also brings relief to him against minor ailments

He added that now he had become addicted to the stuff as he sniffs 10 to 15 times a day saying, “staying for a long time without sniffing is traumatising as the discomfort is always enormous.”

Abubakar Auwal (Sokoto), Aliyu Hamagam (Kebbi), Shehu Umar (Zamfara) Page Designer: Umar Muhsin Ciroma