Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has identified drug abuse as a major driver of cultism, kidnapping and other violent crimes, pledging his administration’s support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in tackling substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
The governor made the commitment on Wednesday at the Government House, Benin City, while receiving a delegation of the NDLEA led by its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), as part of the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse advocacy campaign.
Okpebholo said the fight against drug abuse required collective efforts from government, security agencies and members of the public, noting that illicit substances were associated with several criminal activities.
He recalled that Edo State recorded about 10 deaths from cult-related violence shortly after he assumed office, attributing the killings to the influence of drugs among cult groups.
“Within a short time after I took over as governor, we lost about 10 persons to cult-related killings. These guys do not operate without drug intake,” he said.
The governor also alleged that kidnappers sometimes demand drugs from their victims before requesting ransom, describing the development as evidence of the connection between substance abuse and criminal activities.
“Drugs are totally our enemies, and we have to fight them,” he declared.
He commended the NDLEA for its operations in Edo State and assured the agency of his administration’s readiness to provide the necessary assistance to strengthen its activities.
“We are ready to partner with you, we are ready to work with you, and we are ready also to support you in whatever request you make,” Okpebholo said.
Earlier, Marwa commended the governor for his administration’s support for the agency and its efforts to discourage substance abuse, particularly among young people.
He described Edo as a strategic gateway and a cannabis-producing state, stressing the importance of the state’s cooperation in the campaign against illicit drug cultivation and trafficking.
“We appreciate your efforts against illicit drugs. Drugs are the root of all criminality. We appreciate your laudable steps and support to the NDLEA,” the NDLEA chairman said.
Marwa also disclosed that the agency was seeking the state’s support for its Alternative Development Programme, designed to encourage cannabis farmers to abandon illicit cultivation and embrace legitimate agricultural activities.
He explained that the initiative, introduced in 2025, was aimed at providing farmers with alternative sources of livelihood through the cultivation of legal crops.
According to him, the programme’s pilot phase was launched in Ondo State in January 2026 and had recorded encouraging results, prompting plans to extend it to Edo.
The NDLEA chairman also sought additional logistical support from the state government to improve the agency’s operations.
The highlight of the visit was the announcement of Okpebholo as the NDLEA Grand Patron of the War Against Drug Abuse in recognition of his administration’s support for the campaign.
Marwa subsequently visited the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, where he solicited the monarch’s support in mobilising traditional institutions and communities against drug abuse and trafficking.
He disclosed that more than 15 million Nigerians were involved in drug abuse, representing a prevalence rate approximately three times the global average.
The NDLEA chairman further revealed that the agency arrested more than 1,200 suspected drug traffickers and seized over 30 tonnes of illicit substances in Edo State in 2025.
He added that cannabis accounted for approximately 75 per cent of the 16 million kilogrammes of assorted illicit substances seized nationwide by the agency in the last five years.
Marwa stressed that the agency’s responsibilities extended beyond arrests and prosecution to include counselling, treatment and rehabilitation for people struggling with substance dependence.
“It is the job of the NDLEA to enforce the law against drug trafficking, and as well help those who are addicted to drugs with counselling, treatment and rehabilitation. But this is an assignment that we cannot do alone. It is a whole-of-society approach,” he said.
He called on traditional rulers, religious organisations, civil society groups, government institutions and the media to support the campaign.
Responding, the Oba of Benin thanked the NDLEA chairman for recognising the kingdom’s efforts in addressing drug abuse and other social problems.
The monarch also disclosed that he had suggestions on how to improve the agency’s operations, which he would forward privately to Marwa for consideration.
As part of the advocacy campaign in Edo, the NDLEA chairman also met with leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, led by Comrade Saturday Oamen, urging them to sensitise their members and collaborate with the agency to keep motor parks, roads and communities free of illicit drugs.
The agency said its advocacy activities would also involve religious and civil society leaders.
