Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has identified drug abuse as a major factor fuelling cultism, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state, pledging his administration’s unwavering support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to tackle the menace.
The governor made this commitment on Wednesday at the Government House in Benin City while receiving a delegation of the NDLEA led by its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa.
Okpebholo stressed that the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse required collective efforts, noting that government alone could not effectively address the problem without the active involvement of security agencies and members of the public.
He described illicit drugs as a serious threat to public safety, linking substance abuse to the growing cases of cult-related violence and other criminal activities across Edo State.
“Drugs are totally our enemies, and we have to fight them,” the governor declared.
Recalling the security challenges his administration encountered shortly after assuming office, Okpebholo disclosed that about 10 people were killed in cult-related violence within a short period.
He argued that drug consumption was closely associated with cult activities, insisting that many perpetrators of such violence operated under the influence of illicit substances.
“Within a short time after I took over as governor, we lost about 10 persons to cult-related killings. These guys do not operate without drug intake,” he said.
The governor further alleged that the demand for drugs by kidnappers as part of ransom arrangements underscored the connection between illicit substances and violent criminal activities.
He commended the NDLEA for its efforts in combating drug abuse and trafficking in the state, particularly appreciating the personnel deployed to Edo for their contributions to the fight.
Okpebholo assured the agency of his administration’s readiness to provide the necessary cooperation and support to strengthen its operations.
“We are ready to partner with you, we are ready to work with you, and we are ready also to support you in whatever request you make,” he added.
Earlier, Marwa commended the Edo State Government for its support towards the agency’s operations and its commitment to drug abuse prevention programmes, particularly those targeted at young people.
He disclosed that the NDLEA was intensifying international collaborations to strengthen the fight against illicit drug trafficking.
Describing Edo as a strategic gateway state and a major cannabis-producing area, the NDLEA boss said the state’s cooperation was critical to achieving meaningful progress in the campaign against illicit drugs.
Marwa also praised the governor’s developmental efforts and his administration’s support for the agency.
“Drugs are the root of all criminality. We appreciate your laudable steps and support to the NDLEA,” he said.
The high point of the visit was the announcement of Governor Okpebholo as the NDLEA Grand Patron of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), in recognition of his administration’s support for the campaign against illicit drugs.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the agency to reduce substance abuse, dismantle drug trafficking networks and improve security across Edo State.
