Tension arose in Bayelsa State as four officers from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) were reportedly injured in Oruma, a community within Ogbia Local Government Area. The NDLEA operatives were conducting a search for suspected drug peddlers when they encountered hostility from the local youths.
The incident occurred when the NDLEA officers, intending to apprehend drug dealers, entered Oruma, a border community near Rivers State. Their presence sparked a violent response from some youths, leading to the attack.
Mr. Daniel Obah, the spokesperson for the NDLEA’s Bayelsa State command, confirmed the incident on Thursday in Yenagoa. He disclosed that four officers suffered severe injuries and are currently receiving treatment in the hospital. Obah explained that the officers were carrying out a routine operation aimed at arresting drug peddlers when the attack occurred.
In addition to the critically injured officers, three others sustained minor injuries and have since been discharged from the hospital. The attackers also vandalized NDLEA vehicles during the incident.
The Youth President of Oruma, Inebika-emi, stated that the youths had merely sought clarification on the arrest, questioning why the suspect was taken without notifying the community leaders. He reported that four youths were critically injured and detained by the NDLEA, who later transferred them to a hospital in Yenagoa without allowing their relatives to visit.
Inebika-emi emphasized that Oruma has long opposed drug activities and has laws prohibiting the consumption of hard drugs. He described the actions of the NDLEA as unprofessional and barbaric. He called on the state NDLEA commander and the Bayelsa State government to intervene, stressing that Oruma is a peaceful community and does not wish to resort to unlawful actions.
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