Edo: NDLEA raises alarm over food shortage as farmers turn to cannabis cultivation

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State has issued a warning regarding a potential food shortage crisis, citing that farmers have shifted from growing food to cultivating cannabis in the region. Speaking at a gathering in Uromi, Edo Central Senatorial District, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, the Edo State Commander of NDLEA, emphasized that if urgent action is not taken, the state could face severe food shortages due to the dwindling arable land available for farming purposes.

Ofoyeju highlighted the alarming shift in land use, noting that once agricultural forest areas are now being utilized for cannabis plantations. He expressed deep concern over the adverse effects of cannabis cultivation, stating that it has contributed to an increase in criminal activities such as kidnapping, arms proliferation, cultism, and youth exploitation.

Furthermore, he warned of the environmental pollution resulting from the rampant cannabis farming which started as small, hidden plots but has evolved into large-scale operations.

The issue of cannabis cultivation has created an environment where crime thrives, thereby obstructing the progress of rural communities. Ofoyeju stressed that the cultivation of cannabis has given rise to a violent ecosystem, as where cannabis takes root, crime follows, and where it grows, development dies. He called for an effective drug control strategy to reduce crime by fifty percent, pointing out that a significant number of criminal acts are committed while under the influence of drugs.

Moreover, Ofoyeju revealed a concerning correlation between cannabis farms and criminal enterprises, including arms proliferation, which is displacing legitimate food farming activities. He further expressed worry over the devastating health impacts of drug abuse, which can lead to severe damage to major organ systems, including the brain, heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.

He connected drug use to the rise of cultism and violent criminality in the state, noting that substances such as tramadol, codeine, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine are fueling brutal rivalries, organized gangs, including kidnappings, extortion, cultism, and gun running.

In response to the growing threat, Ofoyeju proposed a multi-pronged strategy centered on community ownership and engagement. This includes the establishment of confidential intelligence networks within communities, quarterly stakeholder forums involving traditional rulers, youth leaders, and women’s groups, and joint operations to destroy cannabis farms.

Additionally, skill acquisition and start-up grants with tool kits would be provided to those ready to pursue alternative livelihoods. These measures aim to empower the people and offer them viable alternatives to cultivating cannabis.

Ofoyeju appealed to stakeholders to take ownership of the fight against drug trafficking, assuring that the NDLEA command under his leadership remains committed to ensuring a drug-free and safe state. He also vowed to protect the forests from cannabis plantations, securing the future of the youth in the process. Senator Joe Ikpea, who chairs the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, commended Ofoyeju for his insightful presentation.

He pledged his committee's dedication to addressing the drug problem in the country and vowed to ensure that Ikpea's constituency remains free from the harmful effects of drugs.