Edo State governor vows to leave no stone unturned in crackdown on narcotics peddlers

The Edo State Government, in conjunction with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and other stakeholders, issued a collective call to action on Friday, urging for novel approaches to combat the escalating issue of drug trafficking and abuse.

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This unified stance was adopted by stakeholders gathered at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which was observed on Friday.

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The theme for this year, "The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses," was a recurring motif throughout the event, as speakers underscored the imperative need for innovative and collaborative strategies to tackle drug trafficking and abuse in the state and nationwide.

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Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, reaffirmed his commitment to establishing a zero-tolerance policy for drug trafficking in the state, emphasizing that a collaborative approach is crucial to winning the war against drugs.

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Represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Drug Policy and Trafficking Control, Andrew Efe, the governor stated, "When drug traffickers think they are clever in crime, we will make them understand that we are more innovative in justice delivery.

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He further declared, "Edo State will not be a safe haven for drug trafficking and substance abuse, and those who engage in such activities will face the full force of the law, with no exceptions or hiding places.

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The governor also noted that the government and NDLEA cannot single-handedly win the war against drugs, and that prevention begins at home, emphasizing the importance of educating children about the dangers of drugs in homes, churches, and mosques.

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Schools and faith institutions were also urged to incorporate anti-drug education into their moral curriculum, as part of a broader effort to combat drug abuse.

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The Edo State government is providing funding for youth empowerment and skills programs, aimed at enabling young people to become productive entrepreneurs who can contribute to the economy.

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State NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, highlighted the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and abuse, noting the complexities of the drug landscape, including the rise of synthetic drugs and the role of the dark web.

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Ofoyeju emphasized the need for a multifaceted response involving various stakeholders, and urged parents and communities to take proactive measures to safeguard the younger generation from the push factors of ignorance, poverty, unemployment, and peer pressure that drive many youth toward drugs.

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Sharing mid-year statistics on drug control efforts in the state, Ofoyeju reported that the Edo State command arrested 289 suspected drug traffickers, comprising 176 males and 113 females, and seized 35,008.38kgs of drugs.

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The command also convicted 52 drug traffickers, made up of 47 males and 5 females, and provided counselling services to 135 persons with drug abuse problems, comprising 101 males and 34 females.

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In addition, the command conducted 33 anti-drug abuse sensitisation programs for 6,092 participants, as part of its efforts to make Edo State a hostile environment for drug traffickers.

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Mrs Edesili Anani Okpebholo, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and Chairperson of the Edo State Drug Control Committee, noted the urgency of the situation and the need for a smarter response to combat the evolving challenge of drug abuse.

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She warned that the battlefield against drug abuse is no longer limited to borders and highways, but has entered the phones and bedrooms of children through social media, and that a new approach is needed to protect the younger generation.

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Miss Edo International 2026, Bossey Vivian, also stressed the need for societal change to combat drug abuse, which she noted affects individuals and families across all ages, genders, and social statuses.

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Vivian pledged to use her voice to address issues affecting families, including the devastating effects of drug abuse.

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Goodwill messages were also received from the Edo State Commissioner of Police and the Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Army 4 Brigade, among others.

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Members of the National Youth Service Corps Drug Control Club from Ikpoba-Okha presented a playlet on drug abuse prevention, while students from various schools competed in a quiz competition.

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Pioneer Education Centre School 1 emerged as the winner of the quiz competition, followed by Pioneer Education Centre School 2 in second place and Inomwan Foundation Schools in third place.