A drug enforcement operation in Delta State turned tragic on Saturday after an officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reportedly drowned while pursuing suspects who fled into the River Ethiope.
According to community sources, trouble began after a suspected drug offender was apprehended on the other side of the river and was being taken towards the River Ethiope Bridge.
The suspect reportedly made a sudden attempt to escape by jumping into the river, prompting the officers to pursue him into the water.
The operation, however, quickly turned into a rescue effort when one of the NDLEA officers drowned. Another officer who entered the river was reportedly rescued and taken to a hospital for medical attention.
The suspect, alongside other individuals reportedly being pursued by the operatives, escaped through the river.
The body of the deceased officer was later recovered from the water.
Community sources said traditional rites associated with drowning incidents in Obiaruku were subsequently performed before the remains were handed over to the appropriate authorities. The rites reportedly included the provision of a goat and other items.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are now being investigated, with NDLEA sources assuring residents that the matter would be thoroughly examined.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, also appealed for calm as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
