A young boy was reportedly hit by a stray bullet during a confrontation between residents and operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Ikang, Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The incident occurred during a raid carried out by NDLEA operatives, which led to the arrest of two suspected drug dealers and the recovery of illicit substances.
Sources in the area said tension escalated after some residents allegedly confronted the anti-narcotics officers during the operation, creating panic within the community.
An eyewitness, who spoke anonymously, said sporadic gunshots were heard as the situation turned chaotic, forcing residents to flee for safety.
“People started running in different directions when the shooting began.
After calm was restored, a young boy was found on the ground with a gunshot wound and was immediately rushed to the hospital,” the source said.
The development reportedly left many residents confused, with some struggling to understand the circumstances that triggered the clash between the operatives and members of the community.
Confirming the incident on Thursday, the Public Relations Officer of the NDLEA in Cross River State, Sebastian Lebo, said the agency’s personnel came under attack while carrying out the operation.
“It is true that our officers were at Bakassi for an operation.
The two dealers that were targets were arrested with good quality exhibits and are now in custody. Our officers came under mob attack and unfortunately there was an injury,” he stated.
Lebo disclosed that the injured boy is currently receiving treatment at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and is responding positively to medical care.
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He added that despite the attack, the operatives successfully concluded the operation and recovered exhibits connected to the arrested suspects.
