NDLEA commences investigation on shoot incident in Delta 

NAN

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Saturday says it is investigating the shooting incident during a raid on a drug joint at the Okpanam area of Asaba in Delta.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Director of Media and Advocacy (NDLEA), Mr Femi Babafemi, in Abuja.

Babafemi said that a stray bullet from the weapon of an NDLEA officer was reported to have hit a young man who eventually died while undergoing treatment in a hospital.

He said that the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, set up the investigation panel consisting of top officials from the national headquarters, after receiving initial briefings on the incident from the Delta Command.

Babafemi said that the chairman directed the investigators to immediately proceed to Asaba, to establish the facts of the case.

According to him, the NDLEA has been in touch with the family of the deceased.

Babafemi also reported the initial brief on the incident given to the Chairman by the Delta command.

“Team of NDLEA operatives carried out an intelligence-based raid of the joint of a notorious drug dealer located in the 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 color 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 demobilize 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 assisted 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.”