In a midnight raid in Okegho Okpuje, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) shot and killed a 16-year-old boy, whose identity is being withheld.
The incident resulted to hospitalization of over 10 others who were badly injured and are currently receiving treatment at Irrua Specialist Hospital, _Standard Daily Press_ can report authoritatively.
The operation, targeting suspected cannabis farmers and dealers, has sparked outrage in the community, marking the third such raid in the area within a year.
Sources indicate the raid occurred without prior warning, with eyewitnesses alleging excessive force was used during the operation.
Local residents are demanding accountability, especially as repeated raids have failed to curb illicit activities but instead escalated violence.
“This is getting worse. They come in the night, shoot first, and ask questions later,” a community leader said anonymously, fearing reprisals.
Attempts to reach the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. The incident raises concerns about NDLEA’s tactics, following recent cases of civilian casualties during drug enforcement operations, including a Senate appeal for compensation over a toddler killed by NDLEA stray bullets in Delta State.
The Okegho tragedy underscores growing tensions between security agencies and vulnerable communities, amid calls for more humane and intelligence-driven approaches to drug enforcement.
As investigations are expected, activists are urging authorities to probe the incident and ensure justice for the victim’s family.
