Diri Vows Fresh Crackdown on Drug Dens in Bayelsa, Orders More Demolitions

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to intensify the crackdown on illicit drug centres and criminal hideouts across the state, warning that more structures linked to criminal activities will be demolished.

The governor issued the warning on Thursday during the 42nd State Security Council meeting at Government House, Yenagoa, following last weekend’s demolition of a notorious drug den known as “Aboki Quarters” in Yenizue-Gene.

The structure was pulled down by a joint security task force after reports of widespread drug peddling and criminal activities in the area.

Diri disclosed that he personally authorised the demolition after security reports highlighted the scale of unlawful activities taking place there. He commended security commanders, including the Commissioner of Police, the Brigade Commander of 16 Brigade, and the Director of the State Security Services, for what he described as a swift and coordinated operation.

The governor, however, revealed that displaced occupants of the demolished site had reportedly relocated to another nearby location. He directed security agencies to intensify surveillance around the new area and ensure appropriate action is taken.

He stressed that his administration would not tolerate the proliferation of shanties serving as centres for drug abuse and criminal operations, particularly those endangering vulnerable youths.

While reiterating his tough stance on crime, Diri clarified that the demolition exercise was not targeted at non-indigenes. He maintained that Bayelsa remains one of the most peaceful and welcoming states for residents and business owners from across the country.

The governor also condemned recent cult-related violence that resulted in the deaths of three persons and ordered security agencies to apprehend those responsible.

At the meeting, the Deputy High Commissioner of the British High Commission, Gill Lever, briefed the governor on the progress of the “Brighter Futures” initiative; a crime prevention and youth empowerment programme supported by the British government in partnership with Bayelsa and three other states.

Lever said the programme, which has run for three years, focuses on reducing cultism and illicit drug use at the grassroots level while equipping vulnerable young people with vocational skills to help them build sustainable livelihoods.

She commended the state government’s commitment to security and youth development, noting that over 200 youths have received training and starter packs to begin self-reliant ventures.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Alfred Nimizigha, said the programme has exceeded expectations and has particularly strengthened agricultural and vocational skills development among youths in the state.