For many residents of Plateau State, “Goskolo” is no longer just a local drink. It has become a growing public health emergency.
Commonly described as a locally brewed illicit gin, Goskolo is notorious for its high toxicity and dangerous chemical composition. The concoction is said to contain methanol, ethanol, and other harmful substances mixed in unregulated conditions. Health experts warn that its consumption can lead to organ failure, including severe damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs, and in extreme cases, blindness and death.
Despite the known risks, the drink has gained alarming popularity among youths in Jos South, Jos North, Mangu, Pankshin, Barkin Ladi, and Bokkos. Its low cost and easy availability make it especially attractive to young people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who see it as a temporary escape from hardship.
Medical professionals report increasing cases of alcohol poisoning, liver enlargement, cirrhosis, cardiovascular complications, and mental health disorders linked to its abuse. Dr. Mike Atang, a medical practitioner, explained that unlike regulated alcoholic beverages, Goskolo is produced without safety oversight, making every intake potentially life-threatening.
Beyond the health consequences, the social toll is equally devastating. Community leaders link the drink to rising crime rates, domestic violence, school dropouts, and declining productivity. Families have lost breadwinners and promising students.
One such case is that of Mrs. Martha Paul of Tudun Wada, who lost her son, a 300-level student at the University of Jos, in 2025 after he developed severe organ complications linked to Goskolo addiction. Since his death, she has become an advocate against its consumption.
Investigations in Tudun Wada and Hwolshe reveal clusters of informal drinking joints where patrons begin as early as dawn. Former students, including dropouts from Plateau State Polytechnic, recount how initial experimentation spiraled into addiction, academic failure, and deteriorating health.
Community protests against the sale of Goskolo have yielded little lasting impact, with vendors reportedly returning under legal cover. Youth leaders are now calling on the Plateau State Government to enact enforceable legislation banning its production and sale.
Stakeholders insist that tackling the menace requires coordinated community education, strict regulation, and sustained public health intervention to prevent further loss of young lives.
