The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued a stern warning to the Oduma community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, demanding the return of a stolen pistol within seven days.
The weapon, belonging to the NDLEA, was reportedly seized by youths from the community during a violent confrontation with the agency’s operatives on Wednesday, August 28.
According to a statement released by the NDLEA’s Public Relations Officer, Daniel Obah, the incident occurred during an operation to apprehend drug peddlers in the area.
The confrontation left four NDLEA officers critically injured, and the agency’s operational vehicle was vandalized.
Obah confirmed that the injured officers are currently receiving medical treatment, with three other operatives, who sustained minor injuries, already discharged.
The altercation arose when youths from the community attempted to prevent the NDLEA officers from carrying out arrests, leading to a violent clash.
The Youth President of the community, Joshua Inebika-emi, claimed that the youths were merely seeking clarity on the arrests, which had not been communicated to local leaders.
He also mentioned that four youths were injured and detained during the incident.
However, the NDLEA has strongly refuted the claims made by the youth leader, describing them as false and misleading.
The agency’s statement clarified that the officers were attacked after successfully apprehending a suspected drug dealer and his assistant.
The statement further detailed how the irate youths overpowered the officers, seized a pistol, freed the suspects, and vandalized the vehicle provided by the Bayelsa State Government.
The attackers reportedly shot and stabbed the NDLEA officers before fleeing upon the arrival of a backup tactical team.
In response, the NDLEA has called on the paramount ruler and the community’s leadership to return the stolen firearm, produce the two suspects, and return the recovered exhibits within seven days or face legal action.
The agency emphasized its commitment to combating drug abuse and called on all well-meaning individuals to support their efforts.
The NDLEA also confirmed that the arrested individuals, Daniel Sokoh and Samson Sokoh, are receiving medical treatment in the same facility as the injured officers.
The agency reiterated its stance against drug abuse and urged the community to cooperate in the fight against narcotics.