Tragedy struck Obiaruku community in Ukwuani Local
Government Area of Delta State after an officer of the National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reportedly drowned while pursuing a suspected drug
offender in the River Ethiope.
The incident reportedly occurred during the weekend
after NDLEA operatives apprehended a suspected drug offender and were taking
him towards the River Ethiope Bridge.
According to community sources, the suspect allegedly
broke free from the officers and jumped into the river in an attempt to escape
arrest.
The officers reportedly entered the river in pursuit
of the fleeing suspect, but the operation took a tragic turn when one of the
NDLEA personnel drowned.
Another officer who entered the river was reportedly
rescued and taken to a hospital for medical attention.
The suspect and some other individuals reportedly
being pursued were said to have escaped through the river during the incident.
The body of the deceased officer was later recovered
from the River Ethiope.
Reports indicate that the recovery was followed by
traditional rites observed in Obiaruku in connection with people who drown in
the river. Community sources said certain traditional requirements must be
fulfilled before the remains of a drowning victim can be released.
The sources claimed that the rites were conducted
before the officer’s remains were eventually handed over to NDLEA authorities,
with a goat and other specified items reportedly required as part of the
traditional process.
However, the identities of the deceased officer, the
surviving officer and the suspected drug offender could not be independently
confirmed at the time of filing this report.
A senior NDLEA official confirmed that the incident
occurred and said an investigation was underway.
The official said the agency would investigate the
circumstances surrounding the incident and establish the actual cause of the
officer’s death.
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