The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has summoned the chairman of a local government in Niger who is accused of encouraging young people to use drugs.

The council chairman was allegedly shown in a viral video telling a group of young people to use the premises of the local government secretariat whenever they wanted to smoke Indian hemp.

The state Commander of the NDLEA, Mr Haruna Kwetishe, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Thursday that the agency had extended an invitation to the chairman.

“We have written to the local government council chairman inviting him over a viral video clip trending on social media.

“Purportedly made by him advising the youths to use the local government secretariat as a smoking joint for Cannabis Sativa, popularly known as Marijuana, if they so wish.”

Kwetishe said that the agency would not allow anyone to diminish the efforts of the command in combating illicit drugs and abuse.

“Therefore, the command wish to issue a stern warning to the author of the purported video/statement that he should retract it.

“We want him to join hands with the Niger state command of the agency to fight this dangerous trend of drug abuse and illicit trafficking,” he said.

He further warned that illicit drug dealing and abuse would not be tolerated in the state no matter the status of the individual involved.

“Anybody who will tread such path will be dealt with according to the law, as they will be arrested and prosecuted at the court,” he said. (NAN)