NDDC wages war in oil region against drugs, cultism

Security agencies and criminologists have traced the link between drugs and crime, especially violence.

The finding is that most violent crimes are usually committed under the influence, formerly alcohol, but now drugs.

This could be why the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has intensified its campaign against drug abuse and cultism, warning students of the destructive consequences these vices pose to individuals and society.

Speaking during a sensitisation programme at Community Secondary School, Oruma, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Samuel Ogbuku, the NDDC Managing Director, urged students to resist peer pressure and avoid involvement in drugs or secret cult groups.

He emphasised that such practices cut short dreams, endanger lives, and hold no progressive future for anyone who indulges in them.

Ogbuku, who was represented by Goddy Ogedegbe, the Director of Alternative Dispute Resolution, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to education and human capital development, stressing that it was determined to build a Niger Delta free from drugs and cultism.
The NDDC boss said the programme was aimed at combating the rising trends of illicit drug use and youth involvement in cult activities.

He urged youths in the region to desist from drug abuse and cultism, describing the menaces as twin evils that can destroy their future.

The campaign featured lectures from key stakeholders, including from Godwin Erepa, Assistant State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Bayelsa State, who highlighted the strong link between drug abuse and cultism.

He noted that cultists often rely on drugs to commit violent acts, manipulate peers, and engage in criminal behaviour.

Erepa stressed that drug abuse affects everyone and condemned cultism as unlawful and destructive.
Iroro Ohwoharhoho, an Inspector of the Nigerian Police in the Bayelsa State Command, also addressed the students on the legal consequences of cultism.

He explained that cultism was a criminal offence punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, warning that convictions leave lasting negative records that could ruin future opportunities, noting: “It is referred to as a secret cult because it is a bad and demonic act, which is why it is conducted in secret.”

Sunny-Obi Julius, the Principal of Community Secondary School, Oruma, expressed gratitude to NDDC for choosing the school for the sensitisation programme.

According to Seledi Thompson-Wakama
Director, Corporate Affairs of the NDDC, the Principal encouraged students to eschew cultism and drug abuse, reiterating that there is no future in such practices.