Tragedy struck Obiaruku community in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State at the weekend after an officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reportedly drowned in the River Ethiope while pursuing a fleeing suspected drug offender.
According to community sources, the incident occurred after NDLEA operatives apprehended a suspected drug offender and took him towards the River Ethiope Bridge.
The suspect reportedly broke free from the officers and jumped into the river in an attempt to escape arrest. In pursuit of him, some of the NDLEA officers entered the river.
However, one of the officers reportedly drowned during the operation, while another officer who entered the river was rescued and taken to a hospital for treatment.
The suspect and other individuals reportedly being pursued also escaped through the river.
The deceased officer’s body was later recovered from the River Ethiope.
According to The Guardian, traditional rites were subsequently performed in Obiaruku in accordance with local practices concerning people who drown in the river. Community sources said the rites had to be completed before the remains could be released to the NDLEA.
The sources added that the traditional requirements included a goat and other specified items.
The identities of the deceased officer, the surviving officer and the suspected drug offender could not be independently confirmed at the time of filing the report.
A senior NDLEA official confirmed that the incident occurred and said an investigation was underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death.
