By Ejiofor Toochi
For several years, residents of Ezekiel Street, Ikeja, have been battling drug peddling, which threatens the safety and peace of their community. In 2021, the NDLEA arrested a 25-year-old smuggler who claimed he had been recruited on Ezekiel Street to traffic nearly 35,000 capsules of Tramadol and Diazepam to Borno State.
Residents who spoke with IkejaBird expressed deep frustration over the situation, saying the activities of the drug peddlers have made their community unsafe. In 2023, a life was reportedly lost to violence linked to the drug trade. Many residents were reluctant to speak openly about the issue, citing fear for their safety.
The police and NDLEA continually carry out raids on Ezekiel Street to rid the street and nearby streets of drug peddlers. The street’s reputation extends beyond its immediate vicinity. Neighbouring streets, such as Adeshina, are also aware of Ezekiel Street’s reputation. One female resident recalled hearing about the street being mentioned during a radio programme. She expressed her worries over the effect of the drug peddling on the youths. “These are not good to our youths coming up. Everywhere drug, drug, drug. They sell it openly; they don’t hide it. Is it drug they will sell till they die?”
Kareem Sekinat, a member of the Community Development Association (CDA) in Adeshina Street, called for sustained police efforts to rid Ezekiel Street of its drug problem. “That street they’re calling Ezekiel, the crime is too much. People are smoking cigarettes, Indian hemp, cocaine, colorado, and others. But the police used to come and arrest them from Area F. We appreciate the police, but we need their efforts more so that the crime can stop,” she said.
As the community struggles with this challenge, residents are pleading with law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts and sustain regular raids, hoping for a safer and drug-free Ezekiel Street and environs.
