Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has described drug abuse as a driver of cultism, kidnapping and other violent crimes, and promised his administration’s full support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the fight against illicit drugs.

He spoke on Wednesday at Government House, Benin City, when he received a delegation of the agency led by its Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Marwa.

Okpebholo said the war on drug trafficking and substance abuse could not be won by government alone. According to him, security agencies and members of the public must play their part.

He said drug abuse remained a major concern for his administration because of its link to crime across the state.

“Drugs are totally our enemies, and we have to fight them,” the governor said.

He recalled that Edo lost about 10 persons to cult-related killings shortly after he took office, adding that cultists rarely operate without taking drugs.

“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 said kidnappers often demand drugs as part of ransom, which, in his view, shows how deeply narcotics are tied to violent crime.

Okpebholo commended the NDLEA for its work in the state and thanked the agency for the officers and men posted to Edo.

“They have been doing actively well,” he said.

He assured the delegation of the state government’s cooperation. “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,” he added.

The governor thanked the team for the visit and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with the agency to curb drug abuse and trafficking and strengthen security across Edo.

Earlier, Marwa said the NDLEA was strengthening international partnerships to combat illicit drug trafficking.

He commended the state government for its support in the fight against drugs, as well as its backing for prevention programmes aimed at discouraging young people from substance abuse.

“Permit me to commend your developmental strides. You have achieved a lot within a short period of time,” Marwa said.

He described Edo as a gateway state and a cannabis-producing state, noting that this made the governor’s support all the more important.

“We appreciate your efforts against illicit drugs. Drugs are the root of all criminality. We appreciate your laudable steps and support to the NDLEA,” he said.

The highlight of the visit was Marwa’s announcement of Okpebholo as the NDLEA Grand Patron of the War Against Drug Abuse according to a statement signed by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele

the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo.