Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
The Edo State Government said it’s strengthening collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other sister security agencies to improve strategies and efforts at combating the drug menace in the State.
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, received the new Commander of NDLEA in the State, Callys Alumona and other officers of the agency at the Government House, Benin City, to brainstorm and chart ways to strengthen the war against illicit drugs in the State.
Obaseki represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Osaigbovo Iyoha, said the government was empowering youths in the State to discourage them from substance abuse and other social vices, commending the new commander for raiding hotspots in the State and other efforts to end the menace in Edo State.
He said, “The issue of drugs for us is a problem that we are taking seriously as an administration because the drug problem leads to other criminal activities. Most accidents occur as a result of the abuse and use of drugs.
“Government is taking the issue of drug abuse seriously. We have visited Col. Buba Maruwa in Abuja to discuss how to rid the State of illicit drugs. It is important that you have visited Ihama, Country Home Hotel Roads, and other locations, because that shows that you are ready to work. We thank you and want to let you know that there is more work to be done.
“We are ready to provide the necessary support needed for you to succeed in this fight against drug abuse in the State.”
Obaseki continued: “I can show you the hotspots around Benin City. We have over 15 hotspots which we are monitoring. The drug business is troubling because some officers collude with these drug sellers and users. They come into these hotspots to request for settlement and allow the illicit business to continue. In doing this, lives are being destroyed.
“A breach of intelligence report may have been responsible for the death of some of your men in Edo North during one of your operations to raid drug spots.”
He added, “You have a lot to do as we will collaborate with you and other sister security agencies to win the war against this drug issue. Nobody can do it alone. Synergy will help us succeed and win against all odds.”
Earlier, the new Commander of NDLEA, Alumona said about 12 drug abusers have been apprehended and are currently being rehabilitated.
He noted, “We have been to Ihama and Country Home Hotel Roads and other hotspots for sale of illicit drugs in the State. What we saw was not pleasing at all. Drugs are being hawked like pure water in these areas. This experience has led us to begin to raid some of these places identified. We have raided Ihama about three times to get these people.
“We will address the issue of drugs seriously as we have destroyed dry season farming of cannabis and sativa. Our efforts have led to the destruction of about 14,000 tonnes of cannabis sativa. We have mopped up from the streets and about 153,000kg of cannabis and other assorted drugs and this is just the beginning.”