Cultivation of cannabis sativa catalyst for kidnapping, cultism, arms proliferation – Ofoyeju

By Jethro Ibileke

The Edo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mitchell Ofoyeju, has described cultivation of cannabis sativa as a catalyst for kidnapping, arms proliferation, cultism and youth exploitation.

He stated this on Tuesday at a town hall meeting held at Uromi, Edo Central Senatorial District, organised by Senator Joseph Ikpea, where he expressed worry over what he described as an escalating threat posed by cultivation of the illicit substance in the State.

Speaking at the stakeholders’ engagement, Ofoyeju presented a comprehensive assessment titled “Cannabis Cultivation and Rural Insecurity in Edo Central”, warning that forestlands once meant for agriculture have been converted into cannabis plantations.

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. An effective drug control will reduce the problem of crime by fifty percent because most criminal acts are perpetrated under the influence of drugs.”

According to the Edo NDLEA Commander, cannabis cultivation has created a violent ecosystem that threatens the very fabric of rural communities.

He highlighted a troubling nexus between cannabis farms and criminal enterprises, including arms proliferation, displacing legitimate food farming, and exploiting vulnerable youths.

The commander noted 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 further connected drug use to the rise of cultism and violent criminality in the state.

“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,” Mitchell added.

In response to the growing threat, the NDLEA unveiled a multi-pronged strategy centred on community ownership and engagement.

The approach includes the establishment of confidential intelligence networks within communities, quarterly stakeholder forums involving traditional rulers, youth leaders, and women’s groups, joint operations to destroy cannabis farms, skill acquisition and start-up grants with toolkits for those ready to embrace alternative livelihoods.

While calling on stakeholders to own the fight against drug trafficking, the NDLEA Commander said that his vision is a drug-free, safe, and prosperous Edo State, adding that NDLEA Edo State Command is committed to protecting forests from cannabis plantations and securing the future of the youths.

In his remark, Senator Joseph Ikpea, who is the Senate Committee chairman on Drugs and Narcotics, thanked Commander Ofoyeju for the insightful presentation.

He said: “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.”