July 15, (THEWILL) – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has opened an investigation into a shooting incident during the raid of a drug joint in Okpanam area of Asaba in Delta State.
During the raid, a stray bullet allegedly fired by an NDLEA officer was reported to have hit a young man, who died while undergoing treatment in a hospital.
A statement issued on Saturday, by the Spokesperson of the Agency, Femi Babafemi, said an investigation panel consisting of top officials from the national headquarters has been constituted after receiving initial briefings on the incident from the Delta Command.
Babafemi said the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, directed the panel to immediately proceed to Asaba to establish the actual facts of the case.
The statement explained that a “team of NDLEA operatives carried out an intelligence-based raid of the joint of a notorious drug dealer located at Okpanam area of Asaba at about 1600 hours on Thursday, July 13.
“And in the process of the operation, a Toyota Camry 2008 model, light blue colour at the scene suddenly zoomed off and knocked down one of our officers, who is currently in critical condition undergoing treatment in a hospital.
“In a bid to demobilise the car and prevent it from escaping, another officer fired a shot aimed at the tyre of the car, which eventually escaped.
“While the injured officer was rushed for treatment, the officers got reports of a stray bullet hitting a young person and immediately located the father of the victim, followed him to the hospital and supported in facilitating his treatment but unfortunately, died in the process.
“We’re in touch with the family to provide necessary assistance while we conclude our investigation of the incident.
“We would like to assure the family and members of the public that we’ll get to the root of the case and take necessary action.”
