The Nasarawa State Government has directed the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to identify and destroy illegal drug farms discovered in ungoverned areas across the state.
Governor Abdullahi Sule gave the directive following the discovery of cannabis farms in some remote areas of the state, urging the agency to intensify its efforts to dismantle other illegal plantations operating in forested locations.
Sule, who commended the NDLEA for its efforts in combating drug-related activities, observed that vast, ungoverned areas had provided opportunities for unscrupulous individuals to establish illegal farms deep within forests.
The directive formed part of discussions between the governor and the newly appointed NDLEA State Commander, CN Saidu Daniel, during a familiarisation visit to the Government House in Lafia, the state capital.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the agency to seek the state government’s support for the establishment of a rehabilitation centre for people struggling with drug and alcohol abuse.
Speaking during the visit on Monday, Daniel commended the governor for his continued support, particularly the allocation of land to the agency in Azuba for the destruction of seized drugs and other exhibits.
He described Nasarawa State as a strategic partner in the agency’s efforts to tackle drug trafficking and substance abuse.
“Your Excellency, we appreciate you for being a strategic partner to us and for the fatherly role you have been playing for the NDLEA. We appreciate you, sir,” he said.
Daniel disclosed that the command had recorded significant breakthroughs in drug seizures, including the recent discovery and destruction of cannabis farms measuring about 1.5 hectares each in Awe and Kokona Local Government Areas.
He said the agency destroyed the plantations before the cannabis could be harvested and distributed to the market.
“It is important because, for some time now, we have not got such kinds of exhibits. We discovered farms of about 1.5 hectares in Awe and Kokona. We have destroyed them because we cannot allow them to harvest. If they harvest, they will enter the market,” he said.
The NDLEA commander stressed the need for sustained public sensitisation on the dangers of drug abuse, particularly among young people.
He also appealed to the state government to support the establishment of a rehabilitation centre in Lafia, explaining that the facility would enable the agency to provide rehabilitation services within the state.
Responding, Sule assured the agency of the government’s commitment to supporting public awareness campaigns and the proposed rehabilitation centre.
The governor noted that children and young people were particularly vulnerable to negative influences from their peers, both in schools and within their social circles.
He said the state government was ready to partner with the NDLEA on initiatives aimed at protecting young people from substance abuse.
“You never can tell, children get involved with other children and they do a lot of things. Sometimes they do negative things in schools, sometimes they do them with friends; so, if you are going to engage in some kind of protection, some kind of awareness to protect our children, you have our support,” Sule said.
He commended the agency for taking the initiative and pledged the government’s support for the proposed rehabilitation centre.
Sule, however, asked the NDLEA commander to prepare and submit a detailed proposal for the facility to the state government for consideration.
Dear readers, we really need your support to keep on serving you with authoritative, truthful, and juicy stories everyday. For your support, please reach out to the editor @gavelinternational66@gmail.com
