The Edo State Police Command has opened an investigation into the death of a 16-year-old boy, Emmanuel George, following a reported clash between operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and suspected drug dealers in Okpuje, a village in Uzeba, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Residents accused NDLEA personnel of being responsible for the teenager’s death during the incident, which also left two others, identified as 20-year-old Godspower Omage and 54-year-old Ajayi Irobia, injured and currently receiving treatment.
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer for the state, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday.
Earlier reports indicated that a joint team of NDLEA operatives and soldiers had gone into the community—known for large-scale cannabis farming—when they allegedly came under attack.
The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the team was ambushed while carrying out an operation.
“The team was attacked as soon as it got into the town,” Ofoyeju told journalists.
“They had to defend themselves and retreat. One of our officers was struck with a sharp object during the attack. We were not there to fight anyone but to carry out our duty as permitted by the Constitution.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has visited the community to meet with the bereaved family and assess the situation.
According to the police statement, “The Commissioner of Police visited the parents of the deceased, Mr and Mrs Monday George, and expressed condolences on behalf of the command. He also held a peace meeting with community leaders and appealed for calm while the investigation continues.”
Agbonika also visited the injured persons in the hospital and directed that an autopsy be conducted on the deceased to determine the cause of death.
The Commissioner assured residents that the case would be treated with transparency.
“Justice will be served, and anyone found culpable will be held accountable,” the statement added.
The State Criminal Investigation Department in Benin has been instructed to lead the inquiry.
The Edo State Police Command said the public would be updated as the investigation progresses, urging residents to maintain peace and avoid taking laws into their own hands.
