From Scholastica Onyeka, Makurdi
The Benue State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has arrested a total of 161 suspects, comprising 144 males and 17 females, for various drug offences between July 2022 to June 2023.
NDLEA State Commander Esther Lami disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Makurdi on the successes of the agency in the last year and activities to mark the 2023 United Nations Day against illicit drug trafficking and drug abuse.
The state commander disclosed that out of the 161 persons arrested, 34 persons have been convicted to various jail terms after filing 50 cases at the Federal High Court in Makurdi.
She also stated that 1776.68kg weight of illicit drugs was seized while 8.5 hectares of cannabis sativa farm were destroyed during the period under review.
She further said that while N879.450 was forfeited to the Federal government, 30 residential clients were admitted for counselling and rehabilitation, just as 101 referrals from the investigation were counselled and 28 residential clients reunited with their families after successful counselling and rehabilitation.
According to her, 121 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) activities were carried out across the state during the time under review and called on the government to address the agency’s challenges which include inadequate operational vehicles, insufficient operational funds, and lack of standard rehabilitation centres among others.
The state commander who noted that the 2023 United Nations Day against Illicit Drug Trafficking and Drug Abuse, is themed: “People First, Avoid Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention,” called on the general public to desist from the cultivation and use of illicit drugs such as cocaine, Amphetamine, Tramadol, Diazepam, SK among many others.
She said the problems arising from drug supply and consumption are not restricted to only people who use drugs but have wider health, social, and economic consequences on the family, community and nation, saying a broad-based comprehensive and all-inclusive approach would go a long way in addressing drug-related problems for a safe and peaceful Nigeria.
She called on the public to join the agency in its fight against substance abuse and illegal trafficking of illicit drugs following the negative impact on individuals and public safety.
The State Commander said all stakeholders, individuals, families, traditional rulers, religious leaders, the government, NGOs, the military, paramilitary and other Government Agencies and the private sector must synergize with the agency to fight the menace by first embracing and assisting those with a drug problem and not stigmatize or discriminate against them while helping to strengthen preventive measures against drug abuse.