The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has raised an alarm over the potential threat of food shortage, warning that farmers have abandoned food production in favour of cannabis cultivation in the state.
Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, raised the concerns on Tuesday, at the Edo Central Senatorial District Town Hall meeting organised by Senator Joseph Ikpea at Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area.
Ofoyeju noted that if drastic actions are not taken to address the huge trend the people may experience acute food shortages as few arable land would be available for farming activities.
The Edo State NDLEA Commander who spoke on the topic, “Cannabis Cultivation and Rural Insecurity in Edo Central”, lamented that forestlands once meant for agriculture have been converted into cannabis plantations.
While decrying the escalating threat posed by cannabis cultivation in Edo State, he described the development as a catalyst for kidnapping, arms proliferation, cultism and youth exploitation.
He added that cannabis cultivation would also negatively contribute to environmental pollution.
According to him, what started as hidden plots has grown into large-scale cannabis farms and a chain of insecurity. Where cannabis takes root, crime follows, and where cannabis grows, development dies.
“Cannabis cultivation has created a violent ecosystem that threatens the very fabric of rural communities”, he said.
He, however, advocated for an effective drug control strategy to reduce the problem of crime by fifty percent, noting that most criminal acts are perpetrated under the influence of drugs.
Ofoyeju, in the presentation highlighted a troubling nexus between cannabis farms and criminal enterprises, including arms proliferation, displacing legitimate food farming, and exploiting vulnerable youths.
He posited that legitimate farmers in the state live in constant fear of attack, preventing them from accessing licit farmlands.
“The result has been a dangerous abandonment of food production in favour of cannabis cultivation, coupled with significant environmental pollution.
“Equally worrisome is the devastating health impact of substance abuse, such as severe damage to major organ systems, including the brain, heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys,” he added.
The State NDLEA boss while linking drug use to the rise of cultism and violent criminality in the state, stated that drugs make cult members bold and reckless.
“They stop caring about human life or rules. Substances like tramadol, codeine, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine are fuelling brutal rival clashes and organised gang groups, including kidnapping, extortion, cultism and gun running.
He, however, unveiled a multi-pronged strategy centred on community ownership and engagement, following the people’s response to the growing threat of illicit drugs usages.
He listed the approach to include the establishment of confidential intelligence networks within communities, quarterly stakeholder forums involving traditional rulers, youth leaders, and women’s groups.
Others are joint operations to destroy cannabis farms, skill acquisition and start-up grants with tool kits for those ready to embrace alternative livelihoods.
Ofoyeju, who called on stakeholders to own the fight against drug trafficking, assured that the Command under his leadership would continue to ensure that the State is safe, and drug-free.
He further assured of the Command’s commitment to protecting forests from cannabis plantations and securing the future of the youths.
In his remarks, Senator Joe Ikpea, who is the Senate Committee chairman on Drugs and Narcotics, thanked the commander for the insightful presentation.
“I am delighted with this presentation on a topical issue affecting all segments of society. While my committee is working hard to address the drug problem in the country, I will ensure that my constituency is free from the ravaging effects of drugs”, he said.