Tragedy struck in Delta State after an officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency reportedly drowned while chasing a suspected drug offender into the River Ethiope.
The incident happened on Saturday, September 19, in Obiaruku, Ukwuani Local Government Area of the state, during an operation by NDLEA operatives.
According to reports, the officers had apprehended a suspected drug offender and were taking him towards the Ethiope River Bridge when he allegedly broke free and jumped into the river in a desperate bid to escape.
The operatives reportedly plunged into the water after him.
But the chase soon turned deadly when one of the officers drowned.
Another officer who entered the river was rescued and rushed to hospital for medical attention, while the suspect reportedly escaped through the water.
The body of the deceased officer was later recovered from the river.
Community sources said traditional rites associated with drowning incidents in the area were performed before the remains were released to the authorities.
The rites reportedly included the provision of a goat and other specified items.
However, the identity of the deceased officer has not been made public.
Reports published after the incident said the identities of the dead officer, the surviving officer and the suspected drug offender could not be independently established.
The Delta State NDLEA commander, Halilu Hamidi, reportedly referred enquiries to the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi.
The agency had not publicly released the officer’s identity as of the latest reports.
A senior NDLEA official, however, confirmed that the incident occurred and said the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death would be investigated.
The Delta State Police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, also appealed for calm as authorities work to establish what happened.
The incident has sparked questions over the circumstances that led the officers to enter the river in pursuit of the fleeing suspect, with the investigation expected to provide further details.
