For those who are not aware, 'Goskolo' is an illicit gin brewed locally, notorious for its extreme toxicity and harmful ingredients that pose a significant health risk, far surpassing that of regular alcoholic beverages.
This illegal gin is recognized for its health hazards, with the potential to lead to severe organ failure, including damage to the kidneys, liver, lungs, blindness, and even death.
The drink consists of a dangerous mix of potent methanol, ethanol, and other toxic substances, making it a highly risky brew that poses serious health threats to its consumers.
Despite being acknowledged as a significant health danger, Goskolo has become a popular choice among many young people in Plateau State, particularly in areas like Jos South, Jos North, and other local government regions such as Mangu, Pankshin, Barkin Ladi, and Bokkos, where a high number of unregulated drinking establishments have led to increased alcohol consumption among both young and older individuals.
Over the years, Goskolo has emerged as the most addictive substance in Plateau State, with many youths becoming dependent on it due to their desire to feel 'high' or reach a 'higher state of consciousness.'
The widespread use of 'Goskolo' and its rising popularity in Plateau is causing significant concern among the community, particularly regarding its effects on the youth who are now addicted to this dangerous drink, largely due to its low cost and easy availability, making it a popular choice among financially struggling youths, despite its well-documented health risks.
Health experts have pointed out that the negative consequences of the 'Goskolo' crisis include serious health risks due to the high concentration of unprocessed alcohol, which are linked to increased cases of liver disease, heart issues, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health problems among young people.
Many young individuals, especially those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, view the gin as a viable escape from their daily struggles.
Advocates have also highlighted the societal impacts of the drink, which have been associated with rising crime rates, domestic violence, school dropouts, and loss of productivity, with many individuals, including those in paid employment, losing their jobs or failing to perform their daily tasks.
Parents have lost their children to 'Goskolo,' as was the case with Mrs. Martha Paul, a 60-year-old resident of the Tudun Wada community, whose son, a promising 300-level student at the University of Jos, succumbed to the effects of 'Goskolo' in 2025.
Reports indicated that the young man, who was seen as the family's hope, fell into the trap of the illicit gin, became addicted, and eventually developed severe complications that affected his internal organs, leading to his untimely death.
Mrs. Paul is now a passionate advocate against the consumption of 'Goskolo,' hoping to prevent other families from experiencing the same heartache she endured.
The menace of 'Goskolo' has resulted in women becoming widows and children losing their fathers.
In the process of gathering this information, our reporter went undercover and visited some of the infamous 'Goskolo' joints in the Tudun Wada and Hwolshe communities, where there is a high concentration of hangouts selling the illegal gin.
One individual in this situation was Bulus Manji, who preferred to be called Biggy. Bulus, a bright young man, was a student at Plateau State Polytechnic until he dropped out in 2022 due to his addiction to ‘Goskolo’. He appears quite large but is actually gaunt, emaciated, and has puffy eyes.
Wearing oversized, dirty jeans held up by a rope instead of a belt, and a filthy brown T-shirt, Biggy shared his experience of becoming enslaved by ‘Goskolo’.
"I was in my second year of HND at Plapoly when my friends introduced me to Goskolo," he remembered.
"On the first day I tried it, I woke up with a terrible hangover and couldn’t attend school. Everything I ate came back up immediately.
"Later, my friends visited and, seeing my state, they quickly bought me more ‘Goskolo’, claiming that it would cure my hangover.
"True to their word, after I drank it again, I felt normal, but I didn’t realize it would lead to an endless cycle. Since then, I’ve been consuming ‘Goskolo’ daily.
"I had to leave school because I was constantly drunk and couldn’t keep up with my studies. Now, I do odd jobs to survive, but all my earnings go towards ‘Goskolo’."
When asked if he regrets his choices and if he plans to quit soon, Biggy expressed a desire to turn back time.
"I truly wish I could go back. I regret the day I first tried ‘Goskolo’. This drink is highly addictive, and currently, I’m not well as I’ve been diagnosed with an enlarged liver. It will take divine intervention for me to quit," he stated.
Another heartbreaking case reported was that of Austin.
Coming from a well-off family with successful siblings, Austin has become a notable figure in Tudun Wada regarding ‘Goskolo’ consumption.
He is known as the ‘Chairman’ among the drinkers of this illegal gin. He knocks on the doors of sellers as early as 5 am and often doesn’t return home until they close around 9 or 10 pm.
Austin is married to Maryam, who is also addicted to ‘Goskolo’, and together they spend their days in these establishments from morning until night, perpetually intoxicated and seeking more drinks from other patrons who are usually more than willing to provide.
It is widely believed that ‘Goskolo’ drinkers are very generous and do not discriminate against others.
A heavy drinker, Danjuma Bitrus, known as Dandy, told our reporter that one could leave home without any money but return heavily intoxicated, as other drinkers would have provided enough drinks for the day.
"You can leave your home with nothing and return feeling fulfilled. 'Goskolo' drinkers are not selfish individuals," Dandy proudly stated.
However, beneath what appears to be a simple nuisance, the threats posed by this illegal beverage are serious and have raised alarms among parents and community leaders, particularly in areas where it is widespread.
Late last year, some community leaders and young people in Tudun Wada banded together to protest against the bar owners.
Their establishments were shut down, but shortly after, the owners returned with court orders asserting the legality of their operations.
Jurme Anthony, a youth leader from Hwolshe who participated in the protest, expressed his frustration over the government's failure to shut down these venues or enforce regulations against them, which has emboldened them to operate unchecked.
"Despite all the suffering we have endured due to 'Goskolo' over the years, there is no law that forbids its production and use," Anthony lamented.
"In every violent conflict in Plateau, there is a connection to 'Goskolo' or drug abuse in general.
"Therefore, we urge the state to create legislation or implement strict and enforceable policies that will prohibit the brewing and consumption of 'Goskolo' and other illegal drugs," he added.
Medical professionals have also cautioned that the toxins found in 'Goskolo' can lead to severe liver damage, cognitive impairment, and an increased risk of chronic illnesses, including liver cirrhosis and various types of hepatitis.
Dr. Mike Atang, a medical expert, who supported the call for a ban on 'Goskolo', stated that the drink's chemical makeup makes it particularly dangerous for consumers.
"Unlike regulated alcoholic drinks, which are made under strict safety protocols, 'Goskolo' is frequently produced in unregulated and unsanitary conditions.
"The absence of oversight in its manufacturing means that consumers cannot know the actual ingredients of what they are consuming, making every sip a potential hazard.
"Healthcare providers are seeing a rise in cases related to 'Goskolo' consumption, with hospitals reporting an increase in admissions for alcohol poisoning, liver disease, and other health issues associated with this toxic gin," he explained.
Maina Idi, an educator, who also addressed the risks associated with 'Goskolo' consumption, pointed out that the wider societal consequences of this illegal drink are quite concerning.
"Young people who become addicted to this gin often forsake their educational and career goals, resulting in higher dropout rates and a loss of future leaders and professionals.
"The economic repercussions are considerable, as many affected individuals become unable to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
"The social structure of Plateau State is in jeopardy as the gin undermines the potential and vitality of its youth," Idi remarked.
Numerous families are also struggling with the dual challenges of lost income due to incapacitated family members and rising healthcare expenses, pushing them deeper into poverty, with the cycle of poverty and health deterioration creating a broader economic impact that affects the entire community.
In conclusion, Anthony, the youth leader, believes that combating 'Goskolo' necessitates a coordinated effort that includes community education, law enforcement, public health initiatives, and awareness campaigns aimed at informing young people about the dangers of 'Goskolo'.
"The threat that 'Goskolo' poses to the youth of Plateau State cannot be overlooked. Immediate and ongoing action is essential to tackle this public health crisis.
"By prohibiting the production and sale of this hazardous gin, enforcing existing laws, and providing education and support to those affected, Plateau State can protect the health and future of its young population.
"The call to reject 'Goskolo' is not merely a request for improved health but a demand for a brighter, more promising future for everyone," he concluded.
(Source: Daily Post)
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