Delta State Governor tasks NDLEA on illicit drug trafficking

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has tasked the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to declare a state of emergency on substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country. He gave the charge when the agency’s Assistant Commandant General (Narcotics) and Director of Administration and Establishment, Mr Hamisu Lawal, paid him a courtesy visit in Asaba.

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The governor said taking such a step would curb the worrisome trend of illicit drug abuse in the Country.

Oborevwori attributed the rise in substance use and illicit drug abuse to poor socio-economic background, family problems, bad parenting, poor academic performance and social pressure.

He said: “I want to acknowledge the NDLEA for what they are doing in the war against drug trafficking and the use of illicit drugs. In recent times, there has been an increase in drug abuse and it is not a good thing for our state and our country. The factors responsible for this ugly situation include poor socio-economic background, bad parenting, family problems, poor academic performance and social pressure. So, I want to appeal that you should continue to do your work and the State Government is ready to support you. As a government, we will continue to support you in the fight against drug abuse. We need to, as a state, encourage the NDLEA to do more. If we look at most of the villages, our rural areas, drug abuse is more in use.”

He condemned the recent ugly incident that led to the death of a child in the Okpanam area of the state capital during an NDLEA operation to arrest drug peddlers and promised to make concerted efforts to stem the tide of such an unfortunate happening.

The Governor said: “Regarding the incident that happened recently in our state, I want to commend the effort of the agency in the reactive steps that they took by going to the place where the incident occurred. They visited the family of the deceased, including the injured one; the team from Abuja also came to ascertain what had happened and to bring the culprit to justice. My wife and I visited the bereaved family. I also saw the injured one and commiserated with the family. The state will be paying the hospital bills as well. As a state, we are not happy with what happened and I am glad that this incident has not stopped the agency from doing its job. Despite what happened, you should continue to do your job of ensuring a drug-free state and nation. If incidents like this discourage you, drug traffickers will only become emboldened to continue their illicit business.”

Earlier, the Assistant Commandant General (Narcotics) and Director of Administration and Establishment, Hamisu Lawal, who was accompanied by the Delta State Commandant of the agency, Abubakar Wada, described the incident that took place in the Okpanam area as unfortunate and unintentional. He said the agency was very grateful to the state government for its prompt intervention in the issue.

The assistant commandant reaffirmed NDLEA’s commitment towards nipping the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the bud.

Wumi/PUNCH