The Edo State Government has pledged stronger collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to tackle substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, amid growing concerns over the alleged connection between drug consumption, cult-related violence and kidnapping in the state.
Governor Monday Okpebholo gave the assurance on Wednesday at the Government House in Benin City while receiving a delegation of the NDLEA led by its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa.
The governor described drug abuse as a serious security challenge, stressing that the fight against illicit substances requires collective efforts from government, security agencies, communities and members of the public.
He maintained that substance abuse had become a major concern for his administration because of its perceived links to criminal activities across Edo State.
According to Okpebholo, the state experienced the loss of about 10 lives in cult-related attacks shortly after he assumed office, adding that drug consumption was often associated with the activities of violent cult groups.
He also expressed concern over reports that kidnappers sometimes request drugs as part of ransom arrangements, describing the development as an indication of the relationship between illicit substances and criminal activities.
The governor commended the NDLEA for its operations in Edo and appreciated the agency for deploying personnel to the state to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
He assured Marwa and his delegation that his administration was prepared to provide the necessary cooperation and support to enable the agency to achieve its objectives.
Okpebholo further reaffirmed his government’s commitment to working with relevant security institutions to reduce drug-related offences and improve public safety across the state.
Earlier, Marwa disclosed that the NDLEA was intensifying international cooperation and partnerships to disrupt illicit drug trafficking networks.
He praised the Edo State Government for its support, particularly its involvement in preventive programmes designed to discourage young people from experimenting with and abusing drugs.
The NDLEA chairman described Edo as a strategic gateway state and a major cannabis-producing area, noting that these factors made sustained collaboration with the state government particularly important.
Marwa also commended the governor’s developmental efforts and urged continued support for the agency’s activities.
The visit ended with the NDLEA chief executive announcing Governor Okpebholo as the agency’s Grand Patron of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), in recognition of his administration’s commitment to the campaign against illicit drugs.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by Dr Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor.
