A 16-year-old boy, identified as Emmanuel Monday George, has been killed during a clash between operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and suspected drug barons in Okpuje, Uzeba community, in Owan West Local Council of Edo State.

Two other residents, God’spower Omage, 20, and Ajayi Irobia, 54, reportedly sustained injuries during the gun battle, which occurred on Monday.

The state commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, confirmed the incident in a statement yesterday, saying that one of the agency’s officers was also injured after being struck on the hand with a sharp object during the confrontation.

According to him, the operatives had gone to the community as part of a routine operation to curb drug trafficking when they were ambushed by armed individuals believed to be working for local drug barons.

He noted that security operatives had in recent weeks faced violent resistance from suspected cannabis dealers in the agrarian community, which is notorious for large-scale cannabis cultivation.

“The Army and NDLEA officers were recently attacked by drug barons in the area,” Ofoyeju stated, adding that the agency would not relent in its efforts to rid Edo State of illicit drug activities despite the threats.

The incident has heightened tension in Okpuje and surrounding villages, with residents calling for increased security presence to prevent further clashes between law enforcement agents and drug traffickers.

Meanwhile, the NDLEA has assured that investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible for the attack and bring them to justice. (The Guardian)