War Against Drug Trafficking: NDLEA Seek Clergy Support In Edo, Directs NURTW To Ban Drug, Alcohol Sales In Motor Parks

by Idahosa Musa

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), has called on Christian and Muslim religious leaders in Edo State to deploy their platforms and influence in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.

Marwa made the call on Thursday in Benin during an interactive stakeholder engagement with the theme, ‘Addressing the Drug Problem in Edo State,’ where he declared a renewed war against illicit drugs and urged all sectors of society to join the campaign.

He said the fight against drug abuse and trafficking required a collective approach involving religious organisations, security agencies, schools, parents, community leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, stressing that the NDLEA could not win the battle alone.

The NDLEA boss, who disclosed that he would meet the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Islamic Council in Benin, urged religious leaders to use their congregations and community networks to discourage drug consumption and support efforts to rehabilitate affected persons.

He also warned parents and guardians against neglecting their responsibilities, urging them to monitor their children’s activities, provide good examples and seek early intervention whenever they noticed signs of
abuse.

According to him, there is no shame in seeking help for children affected by substance abuse.

Marwa further called on schools across the country to establish drug-free and counselling clubs, urging pupils and students to report to their teachers and school authorities whenever they were offered illicit substances.

He maintained that early prevention and intervention were critical to protecting young people from the consequences of drug abuse.

As part of efforts to check the menace, he disclosed that he had directed members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to prohibit the sale of illicit drugs and alcohol in motor parks across Edo State, adding that the union had agreed to implement the directive.

Earlier, the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the fight against drug abuse and trafficking could not be won in isolation.

He commended the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Air Force and other stakeholders for their cooperation.

Ofoyeju said the arrests and seizures recorded by the command over the years would not have been possible without the support of sister security agencies.