15th September, 2010
The Benue State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Mr Samuel Azinge has decried the rate at which able-bodied young men in the state get involved in illicit drugs.
Azinge stated this in Makurdi on Monday while parading an Indian hemp farmer, Mbatiawase Pavaun arrested in Ukan, Ushongo Local Government Area by officers of the command following a tip off. Azige lamented that despite the sensitization campaign embarked upon by relevant authorities on the danger of illicit drugs consumption, people of the state, particularly those in the rural areas, were still involved in the cultivation of Indian hemp and called on culprits to have a rethink.
He explained that the suspect had allegedly cultivated about two hectares of Indian hemp before he was arrested and the farm destroyed. Several bags of cannabis brought to Makurdi as exhibit.
Answering questions from the journalists, the suspect said it was his uncle introduced him to Indian hemp farming after dropping out of school in SS2.
—Ubong George, Benue