NDLEA probes stray bullet killing in Delta

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency says it is investigating the shooting that occurred during a raid on a drug joint in the Okpanam area of Asaba in Delta State.

The Director of Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi, stated this on Saturday in Abuja, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

Babafemi said 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 the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd), set up a panel consisting of top officials from the national headquarters after receiving initial briefings on the incident from the Delta State command.

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

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

“A team of NDLEA operatives carried out an intelligence-based raid on the joint of a notorious drug dealer at the Okpanam area of Asaba around 4pm on Thursday, July 13.

“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 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 are in touch with the family to provide necessary assistance, while we conclude our investigation of the incident.

“We will like to assure the family and members of the public that we’ll get to the root of the case and take necessary action,” the statement added.