National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), alongside other security personnel has raided Abraka community in Delta State leaving one dead and many injured.
The operation led by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), alongside military personnel, members of the anti-cult and others, on Wednesday, sparked controversy, with allegations of excessive force, injuries, and at least one fatality.
A man, simply identified as Okotie died while several others sustained injuries during the raid on Wednesday, along River Road in Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.
According to Honorable John Enamuotor, popularly known as Atom and an aide to Delta State Governor on security, said that the raid, which began around 3:30p.m., took place at his business premises without prior notice or involvement of the local police division.
“I was at my farm when I received a call that NDLEA officials, military personnel, and anti-cult operatives had stormed my compound. Upon arrival, I was stopped at the gate, dragged from my vehicle, and physically assaulted. Some officers jumped over my fence and invaded my premises,” he stated.
Hon. Enamuotor confirmed that one person sustained severe wounds and required medical attention after being stitched at the hospital.
The situation escalated when the raid extended to River Road, where a brothel was also targeted. It was there that a young man, identified as a member of the Okotie family, reportedly lost his life.
While some claim he suffered a fatal heart failure due to gunfire, others suggest he hit his head on a wall while attempting to flee the scene.
“We went to the station to obtain a medical form for those injured. The community reacted strongly because the manner in which this operation was carried out was questionable. No prior communication was made to my office, despite my role in state security,” Hon. Enamuotor emphasized.
Hon. Enamuotor confirmed that he had reported the case to the police and would be presenting evidence, including a jackknife and ammunition cartridges recovered from the scene.
He stressed the need for a transparent investigation into the conduct of the raid and called on the local government chairman, Hon. Augustine Ogedegbe to look into the role of security outfits operating in Abraka.
“We need a structured approach to security operations. Any raid must be properly documented and coordinated with local law enforcement to prevent unnecessary casualties and destruction. The government must ensure that rogue elements within the system are checkmated,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), NDLEA, John Kennedy, said that the raid was led by the SSA to Governor Oborevwori on Illicit Drugs, Pastor Omasan Mabiaku.
Read also: Drug-Free Delta: Traces of hard drugs detectable in bloodstream 90 days after exposure — NDLEA
The PRO further said that the NDLEA was only invited to accompany the team in case there was an arrest of any individual with illicit drugs.
“It was not an NDLEA operation, the SSA on Illicit Drugs organized the operation that comprised of police, army, Nigeria Hunters and others.”
He continued: “The ND;EA was not even armed during the operation. Call Omasan for proper details of what happened,” he said.
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