The drug destroyed by NDLEA in Jos.
By M. Peter – Jos
Those threatening the peace in Plateau State under the influence of drugs would be severely dealt with, the State Governor, Simon Lalong promised.
The governor made the promise on Tuesday in the Du district of Jos South local government area while witnessing the destruction of various drugs weighing over 16.697Kg which were seized by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA in the State.
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Lalong who lamented the continued peddling and consumption of illicit drugs despite all efforts by relevant stakeholders, assured that efforts would be intensified to rid the State of the menace of illicit drugs.
According to him, “It is with mixed feelings that I address you today at this event where a large cache of illicit narcotic drugs seized by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) are being destroyed. My mixed feelings stem from the fact that while I share in the delight that these drugs were intercepted, the development underscores the danger that we face as a State.
Governor Simon Lalong supervising the contraband before it was destroyed by NDLEA.
“The menace of illicit drug production, trafficking, distribution and consumption is not new to our country and indeed to our State. What has continued to raise concerns is the fact that despite concerted efforts by Government, Development Partners, Religious, Traditional and Civil society Organisations, this dangerous trend has continued to grow. Today, many of the security challenges that we are confronted with such as kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, cultism, rape and other associated problems such as road accidents are associated with the illicit drug business.
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“This is why my administration considers this event very key to the progress and development of Plateau State, and is therefore committed to ensuring that the efforts of NDLEA are strengthened towards frustrating and halting the activities of drug peddlers. We remain committed to consolidating on the gains recorded in order to give our people the right environment to prosper.
“I wish to again warn all miscreants and criminal elements that under my watch, Plateau State will remain a no-go-area for them as we shall not rest until we defeat them. We shall use all the resources and instruments available to us to deal decisively with anyone found threatening the peace of our people whether under the influence of drugs or otherwise.”
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He added, “I am worried that despite all efforts, these drugs continuously find their way onto our streets, homes and society at large. This calls for more vigilance and proactive engagement of parents, guardians, community and traditional rulers in curbing this ugly trend. Like I have always maintained, traditional, religious and community leaders have a very crucial role to play in ensuring the security of lives and property of the people of our State. I therefore expect them to rise to the occasion by exposing criminal elements within their communities to assist the government maintain peace.”
On the way forward, he stressed, “I have directed the Commissioners of Secondary and Higher Education to ensure that they encourage and sustain sensitization and education of students against drug abuse and associated crimes. We need to work ahead by adopting preventive measures that will keep our children away from the damaging impact of drugs. Using such approach, we shall not only save the lives of many, but also recruit ambassadors and advocates that will help propagate the campaign against this monster which is now threatening our collective existence. A stitch in time they say saves nine.”
