Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, and drug barons reportedly clashed at Okpuje, Uzeba community, in Owan West Local Government Area, leading to the death of a 16 -years -old boy, identified as Emmanuel Monday George.
Two others, identified as God’spower Omage (20 years) and Ajayi Irobia (54 years), were said to have sustained serious injuries during the gun duel, which reportedly happened on Monday.
Mitchell Ofoyeju, state commander of the NDLEA, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin on Thursday.
Ofoyeju said that one of its officers sustained an injury after being struck on the hand with a sharp object.
The Guardian recalls that Army and NDLEA officers were recently attacked by drug barons in the area.
Ofoyeju, who said the community is notorious for cannabis cultivation and trafficking, noted that as the team advanced through the town, they encountered resistance from local cultivators, who ambushed them, resulting in an exchange of gunfire, which led the team to abort the operation before proceeding later.
He said a sharp object struck one officer on the hand, adding that the officer has since received medical attention and is expected to make a full recovery.
As the team advanced through the town, they encountered resistance from local cultivators, who ambushed them, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. The hostile environment forced the team to abort the operation and retreat for safety.
The statement read, “A combined team of NDLEA and Army personnel came under attack on Monday at Ukpuje town, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
“Unfortunately, one officer was struck by a sharp object on the hand. This officer has since received medical attention and is expected to make a full recovery.
“I commend the bravery of our officers and the army personnel involved. Our mission here is to ensure that illegal drug activities are disrupted, particularly in areas notorious for drug cultivation.
“Although we faced resistance, we are grateful that no life was lost, and our team was able to carry out the operation efficiently.”
Ofoyeju said the NDLEA would intensify efforts against drug cultivation and trafficking in Edo State. “We will not relent in our pursuit of a drug-free society. Operations like these are crucial in our fight against narcotics,” he added.
The raid in Ukpuje is part of a broader strategy by the NDLEA to combat drug trafficking and promote community safety. Illicit cannabis cultivation has long been a challenge in the area.