Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has condemned the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency over the destruction of suspected cannabis farms in Edo State, describing the action as a waste of economic opportunities.
The NDLEA Edo Command had earlier announced the destruction of two suspected cannabis plantations measuring 1.85 hectares, with an estimated yield of 4,628.9kg of cannabis.
NDLEA destroys 4.6 tonnes of suspected cannabis
According to the state Commander of the NDLEA, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, the plantations were discovered at Ugboku, Igbanke Forest, in Orhionmwon Local Government Area.
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Ofoyeju said one suspect was arrested in connection with the first farm, while two bags of processed substance suspected to be cannabis sativa, weighing 12.4kg, were recovered from the second plantation.
The agency also said it arrested 10 suspected drug traffickers during separate raids at Oluku and Abuja Quarters in Benin City, recovering various illicit substances.
The commander said the operations formed part of the agency’s efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and illicit drug cultivation in the state.
Sowore kicks against destruction
Reacting to the development, Sowore criticised the NDLEA’s decision to destroy the farms, arguing that Nigeria should explore the economic and industrial potential of cannabis instead of destroying its cultivation.
“It is idiotic @ndlea_nigeria wake up, put on uniforms, march into farms, and set economically viable crops worth millions of dollars ablaze while your country is drowning in multidimensional poverty,” Sowore said.
He urged the government to end what he described as an outdated approach to cannabis control and instead establish a regulatory framework for the industry.
“Stop destroying cannabis farms. Stop wasting enormous economic opportunities in the name of a failed and outdated policy,” he said.
Calls for regulation and investment
Sowore further called for the legalisation and regulation of cannabis, stressing that the government could generate revenue and create employment by developing its medicinal and industrial uses.
“Legalize and properly regulate cannabis. Invest in research, harness its legitimate medicinal and industrial potential, create jobs, generate revenue, and build an industry Nigerians can benefit from,” he said.
He also criticised the government’s approach to poverty reduction, insisting that destroying cannabis farms would not solve the country’s economic challenges.
“You cannot burn your way out of poverty, foolish people!” Sowore added.
