Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africa Links 24
Published on 2024-03-24 14:42:22
The Edo Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) recently addressed reports suggesting that drugs were being hawked on the streets of Benin like sachet water. The NDLEA’s spokesman in Edo, Bebetu Ondotimi, issued a rebuttal in Benin to clarify the situation and denounce the misleading information.
The media had reported that the new NDLEA commander in Edo, Alumona Obioma, made comments about drugs being hawked in Benin like sachet water during a visit to the Chief of Staff to Governor Godwin Obaseki. However, Ondotimi clarified that Benin City was not classified as drug-infested and drugs were not being hawked like pure water on the streets.
Instead, the NDLEA identified two notorious black spots in Benin, specifically Iyamu Street and Country Home Road, where drug trafficking was prevalent. The State Commander mentioned that his predecessor, Mr. Buba Wakawa, had briefed him about the unholy trade in narcotics at these locations. Ondotimi emphasized that only these two areas were identified as narcotics hotspots in Benin, contrary to the sensational reports circulating in the media.
It was also mentioned that Governor Obaseki himself had identified these black spots, indicating a collaborative effort to address drug trafficking in the region. The NDLEA commander, Obioma, had only been in Edo for four weeks and had not explored the entire region to make such sweeping statements about drug activities in the city. Ondotimi urged the public to disregard the incorrect information and emphasized the importance of accurate reporting in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
As partners in the war against drug abuse, the media was called upon to exercise caution in their reportage to avoid sending misleading signals to the public. Ondotimi highlighted the need for responsible journalism to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain public trust in the NDLEA’s efforts to combat drug-related crimes.
Overall, the NDLEA’s statement aimed to clarify the misconceptions surrounding drug activities in Benin City and reiterate their commitment to tackling drug trafficking in identified hotspots like Iyamu Street and Country Home Road. By clarifying the facts and dispelling false information, the NDLEA sought to uphold their credibility and reinforce their mission to combat drug abuse in the region.
Read the original article on DailyNigerian.com
