By Prince Ejakpomevi
A delegation from the Aniocha–Oshimili Elders’ Association, popularly known as Izu Ikei, has held a strategic interactive session with the Delta State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to address the growing challenge of drug abuse and trafficking across communities in the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency.
The meeting took place at the NDLEA office in Ogwashi-Uku and followed a formal position paper submitted by the elders on February 19, urging intensified action against the spread of illicit drugs across the four local government areas of the constituency – Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili North, and Oshimili South.
The seven-member delegation was led by the President of Izu Ikei, Sir Clement Okonjo. Other members included Chief Chris O.O. Biose;, Secretary ,and Chairman of the Adhoc Committee; Dr Christopher Nwayalani; Mr Patrick Ogbogu Okenyi; Dr Ngozi Nwabuoku; and Mr Joseph Onyemanu.
The delegation was received on behalf of the Command by Deputy Commander of Narcotics (DCN), Delta State, Victor Osibor, alongside his assistant, Omobude Silas.
Osibor commended the elders for their proactive engagement, noting that community involvement was essential in combating drug abuse and trafficking. He explained that the NDLEA’s operations were driven by two key strategies—supply suppression and demand reduction.
He highlighted ongoing efforts by the command, including arrests and prosecutions of drug offenders, drug screening programmes in tertiary institutions, and rehabilitation services aimed at helping affected individuals recover and reintegrate into society.
However, Osibor also noted emerging challenges, particularly the rise of new synthetic drugs and changing social dynamics among youths, where some individuals involved in drug-related activities have become financial providers within their families.
