Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun on Saturday directed security agencies to carry out systematic raids in identified places where vendors of hard and other illicit drugs operate in Sagamu and its environs.
Abiodun gave the directive in Abeokuta, when he received on courtesy call the new State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), Mr. David Ojelabi and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mrs. Ibiba Odili.
The governor explained that the decision was part of efforts to stem cultism and related crimes in the state.
Abiodun who expressed his displeasure over the activities of cultists in the local government area, attributed their devilish behaviour to the influence of hard drugs.
“I personally visited the location where drugs are being freely sold in the evenings and I remarked that this should be brought to the attention of the NDLEA, NSCDC and other security agencies to go on a mission and raid the place.
“I want you to rid the entire Sagamu of drugs peddlers, sellers and drug abusers. This will go a long way to restoring peace and confidence to our citizens in Sagamu.
“Cultism is one of our challenges and we are ready to deal with those involved. As the industrial, education and religious capital of this nation, we will not allow hoodlums to threaten the peace of this state,” he said.
Abiodun described as topnotch, security chiefs, posted to the state since his assumption of office.
He maintained that their collaboration with the state government and other security agencies, had helped in addressing security challenges in the state.
The governor charged the new security chiefs to bring their wealth of experience into play by emulating their predecessors.
Abiodun stressed the need to adequately police the state to ensure people go about their legitimate businesses without fear of being attacked.
In his remarks, Ojelabi, said he was in the state to work with the governor and other security chiefs for a crime-free society, calling on the state government to support him to achieve his objective.
Also speaking, Odili commended the state government for its developmental strides in the last four years.
She noted that the use of illicit drugs had contributed to the health related problems Nigerians were facing.
The state NDLEA commandant added that she was in the state to complement the work of her predecessor of ridding the state of illicit drugs.
