A community in Edo State, Okpuje, has taken to the streets to protest against the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over alleged brutality and the killing of a 16-year-old student during a raid on Monday. The protesters are demanding justice for the teenager’s death and calling for an end to the agency’s alleged harassment of their community.
According to eyewitnesses, the NDLEA operatives and soldiers were met with resistance when they attempted to raid the community, leading to an exchange of gunfire. However, the agency has confirmed that one of its officers was injured during the operation.
The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, has condemned the killing and directed the Commissioner of Police to investigate the incident. “We are not against NDLEA doing their job, but it must be done diligently and professionally,” Agbebaku said. “Invading a peaceful community in the dead of the night and shooting sporadically led to this situation.”
The community is demanding that the government takes immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure that such incidents do not recur. The protesters have also called on the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to intervene in the matter.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, with many calling for greater accountability and transparency in the operations of security agencies in the state.
Community’s Demands
The Okpuje community has put forward the following demands:
– Justice for the teenager’s death: The community wants the perpetrators of the crime to be brought to justice and for the family of the deceased to receive compensation.
– End to NDLEA brutality: The community is calling for an end to the agency’s alleged harassment and brutality, and for greater accountability and transparency in their operations.
– Compensation for victims: The community is seeking compensation for the victims of the raid, including those who were injured.
The situation is still tense, with many residents expressing fear and outrage over the incident. The Edo State government has yet to comment on the matter.
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