...Colleague Hospitalised As Drug Suspect, Others Escape
By FOLORUNSHO ATTA
Tragedy struck the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Saturday when one of its officers reportedly drowned while chasing a fleeing drug suspect into the River Ethiope at Obiaruku, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State.
Another NDLEA officer who also plunged into the river during the pursuit was rescued and is currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital.
According to community sources, the incident occurred after a suspected drug offender, who had earlier been apprehended on the opposite side of the river, allegedly jumped into the water while being escorted towards the River Ethiope Bridge in an apparent bid to escape.
The officers reportedly followed the suspect into the river in an attempt to apprehend him.
However, the pursuit ended in tragedy as one of the officers drowned, while his colleague was rescued in a critical condition and rushed to hospital.
The suspect, alongside other persons reportedly being pursued by the operatives, was said to have escaped through the river.
The body of the deceased officer was subsequently recovered from the water.
Community sources further disclosed that traditional rites reportedly associated with drowning incidents in Obiaruku were performed before the remains of the officer were released to the relevant authorities.
The rites were said to have included the provision of a goat and other specified items.
Meanwhile, sources within the NDLEA have assured residents that a thorough investigation would be conducted to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Bright Edafe, also appealed to members of the public to remain calm.
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