@Ota Udeh
@Asuquo Cletus
The Uwet community in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State has denied reports alleging the existence of a six-hectare cannabis plantation within its forest.
They described the claim as false, misleading and capable of tarnishing the image of the community.
The clarification was made on Friday during a community stakeholders’ meeting in Calabar, convened by traditional and opinion leaders following viral reports on social media alleging that operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) had uncovered a large cannabis farm in the area.
Speaking at the meeting, the Village Head of Uwet, His Highness Obort Celestine Asiya Ita Asiya (II), said the community was shocked by the publication, insisting that no such illicit cultivation exists within its jurisdiction.
“We don’t have that type of thing in our area. That is why we are here. Uwet is a peaceful village, a law-abiding community. We are even in support of government actions against crime,” the monarch said.
He explained that the community shares boundaries with several neighbouring settlements and forest reserves, noting that any illegal activity could only be traced through proper investigation involving community leaders and relevant agencies.
“If perchance they come and see anything, they should come and show us. We will support them to bring anyone involved to book. But as it stands, we do not know anything about such plantation,” he added.
The traditional ruler further stressed that the community had long warned residents against involvement in illicit drug cultivation, stating that public announcements had previously been made prohibiting such practices.
Also speaking, an opinion leader in the community, Reverend Anthony Effiong, said the report came as a surprise and had caused embarrassment to residents.
“We only saw and heard it on social media. It is very surprising to the entire community. This is a law-abiding community with enlightened leaders who understand the implications of such illegal acts. We do not encourage it at all,” he said.
Effiong added that the community had not been formally consulted by any security agency before the circulation of the report, urging the NDLEA to provide clarity on the source and location of the alleged farm.
“We are ready to cooperate with the agency to know the real source of this information and possibly identify where the claim is coming from,” he said.
Another community leader, Prince Wisdom Asiya, also reiterated the community’s readiness to work with security agencies to ensure that any criminal elements operating within or around the area are identified and prosecuted.
Meanwhile, the NDLEA’s Public Relations Officer, Sebastian Lebo, who spoke in a telephone interview with our correspondent confirmed that one suspect had been arrested in connection with the alleged drug cultivation.
