- A teenager was killed during an NDLEA clash with suspected drug barons in an Edo community, leaving residents in shock.
- The NDLEA says its officers were ambushed by armed traffickers during a routine raid to curb illegal drug activities.
- The Edo community has recorded repeated violence from drug barons resisting NDLEA operations in recent weeks.
- Authorities vow to continue the crackdown despite the fatal NDLEA clash and growing threats from drug barons.
A 16 year old boy, identified as Emmanuel Monday George, lost his life during a violent exchange between operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and suspected drug barons in Okpuje, Uzeba, located in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Two other residents; God’spower Omage (20) and Ajayi Irobia (54) sustained serious injuries as gunshots rang out across the quiet Edo community on Monday.
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Confirming the incident, the NDLEA State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, revealed that one NDLEA officer was also hurt after being attacked with a sharp weapon during the confrontation.
According to Ofoyeju, officers had visited the area as part of a routine anti-narcotics operation when armed individuals suspected to be working for local drug barons ambushed them.
He explained that the Okpuje axis has become a dangerous hub for large-scale cannabis cultivation, and in recent weeks operatives have faced repeated attacks from traffickers determined to resist arrests and seizure of their farms.
“The Army and NDLEA officers were recently attacked by drug barons in the area. We will not back down from eliminating illicit drug activities in Edo State,” Ofoyeju stated.
Residents of the Edo community are now living in fear, as the gun battle has increased tension and forced many households to remain indoors. Locals are calling for a permanent security presence to prevent further attacks between drug barons and security agents.
The NDLEA has confirmed that an investigation is underway to track down all individuals connected to the ambush and ensure they are prosecuted.
