Gov. Lalong Says Security Challenges Associated With Illicit Drug Business as Plateau NDLEA Destroys Forfeited Drugs

SPEECH BY THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE, RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG, KSGG AT THE PUBLIC DESTRUCTION OF FORFEITED DRUG EXHIBITS BY THE NDLEA (PLATEAU STATE COMMAND) HELD ON THE 11TH AUGUST, 2020 AT NANFANG MOUNTAIN, OFF SHEN ROAD, DU DISTRICT OF JOS SOUTH LGA, PLATEAU STATE.

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.
Nevertheless, the people and Government of Plateau State are proud of the tireless efforts of officers and men of the Plateau State Command of the NDLEA for their diligence that resulted in the seizure of these illicit drugs.
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.
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.
With the collaboration of all security agencies and the citizens of the State, the Rescue Administration has worked assiduously to bring to an end recurring crises and criminal activities in this State. 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.
I have been reliably informed that we are today destroying various drugs weighing over 16.697Kg which were seized by the NDLEA at various times in the State. They have equally succeeded in apprehending dangerous drug peddlers and their collaborators, some of whom have been tried and convicted and others still undergoing prosecution.
At this juncture, I wish to stress that the fight against illicit drugs and illicit substances is not the responsibility of the NDLEA alone but of all stakeholders. All of us must play our parts in bringing this menace to an end in order to save our present and future generations from destruction.
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.
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.
As for those who are addicted to drugs and have been adversely affected, Plateau State Government shall continue to work with the NDLEA and development partners towards ensuring the rehabilitation of victims. We cannot allow them to waste away because they have God-given endowments that can impact our society positively.
At this point, I wish to commend the synergy among security agencies in the State who have collaborated with the NDLEA for the successes we are celebrating today. I urge you to sustain this robust partnership particularly in intelligence gathering and response.
This call also goes to all voluntary and non-governmental bodies who are always doing their part in assisting the law enforcement agencies with information and resources. This will help us have a peaceful, serene and happy society that we all desire.
Finally, let me appreciate the Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA for his doggedness in getting rid of drugs from our country. Plateau State remains grateful to this agency and its hard working officers and men for their sacrifices to the safety of all.
We assure you of our support and partnership always. Thank you for your attention and God bless you all.