The Village Head of Uwet in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, High Highness Obort Celestine Asiya Ita Asiya (II), has acknowledged the reported discovery of a cannabis farm within the community’s forest axis, while firmly distancing the people of Uwet from any involvement and condemning the act in the strongest terms.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Calabar, the royal father described the development as shocking and deeply disturbing, noting that it runs contrary to the values and repeated sensitisation efforts carried out within the community against illicit drug activities.
“It is indeed shocking that despite our consistent warnings and sensitisation against the cultivation and sale of drugs, some individuals could still go to this extent. This is not who we are as a people,” he stated.
HH Asiya explained that Uwet has a long-standing culture of hospitality, particularly towards individuals seeking land for agricultural purposes, often allocating such lands in good faith without suspicion. However, he noted that the incident has exposed the need for a more vigilant and structured monitoring system.
“We are known to welcome people, especially farmers, and we allocate land for genuine agricultural purposes. It has never been our practice to begin to investigate the kind of crops they cultivate. But this incident is a clear eye-opener. It calls for increased vigilance and more effective community monitoring going forward,” he added.
While admitting that the community was neither aware of nor involved in the alleged cultivation, arrest, or destruction of the cannabis farm, the Village Head expressed appreciation to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its prompt and decisive intervention.
“We were not aware of this illegal activity, and we were not involved in the operation. However, we are grateful that such a dangerous practice has been identified and rooted out from our land. We commend the NDLEA for acting swiftly without giving the culprit any opportunity to conceal his crime,” he said.
He warned of the grave consequences associated with drug abuse, particularly cannabis, describing it as a dangerous substance capable of inciting social unrest and undermining community peace.
“We understand the harmful effects of drugs. Indian hemp is dangerous and can serve as a driver of conflict, especially among the youth. It would be unfortunate for any community to be thrown into crisis because of such activities,” he cautioned.
An opinion leader, Reverend Anthony Effiong, described the incident as embarrassing and surprising, reiterating that it does not reflect the character of the Uwet people.
“We are taken aback that something like this could happen despite the level of awareness we have created over time. It is not a practice we encourage or tolerate,” he said.
Effiong further appreciated the NDLEA for its proactive approach, noting that the agency’s intervention has helped prevent a potentially dangerous situation from escalating.
“We thank the NDLEA for their diligence. Their timely action has helped to expose and eliminate a serious threat within our environment,” he noted.
Another community leader, Prince Wisdom Asiya, reiterated the collective resolve of the community to strengthen internal surveillance and collaborate closely with security agencies to prevent a recurrence.
When Primetime News reached out to the Clan Head of Uwet Clan, he also lend his voice in the saga. The Clan Head elect, His Royal Highness Obort (Hon.) Charles Okon reaffirmed the clan’s firm stance against all forms of criminality, insisting that Uwet like every other community in the clans remains a peaceful and law-abiding community that does not condone illicit practices.
“We do not support anything that promotes crime. This clan has always stood for peace and lawful conduct. We have repeatedly warned our people against engaging in such illegal activities, and we will continue to do so,” the monarch said.
He emphasized that the Clan made of over four communities would not shield any individual found culpable, assuring security agencies of full cooperation in ongoing and future investigations.
“If anyone is found to be involved in such acts within or around our communities, we will support the authorities to ensure that justice is served. There will be no protection for wrongdoing,” he added.
Meanwhile, the NDLEA’s Public Relations Officer, Sebastian Lebo, confirmed in a telephone interview that one suspect had been arrested in connection with the illegal cultivation, with investigations ongoing.
The Uwet community, while disassociating itself from the illicit activity, has described the incident as a wake-up call and pledged to intensify vigilance, enhance community policing, and sustain intelligence sharing with security agencies to weed out crime and prevent any acts capable of undermining peace and order.
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