By Ado Oyeyemi
A National Drug Law Enforcement Agency officer has drowned while another is receiving treatment after they reportedly entered River Ethiope in pursuit of fleeing suspects in Obiaruku, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State.
The incident occurred on Saturday during an operation to apprehend suspected drug offenders in the community.
According to community sources, one of the suspects being pursued reportedly jumped into the river while officers were taking him towards the River Ethiope Bridge in an attempt to escape.
The NDLEA officers reportedly followed the suspect into the water in a bid to arrest him, but the operation ended in tragedy when one of the officers drowned.
The body of the deceased officer was subsequently recovered from the river, while his colleague was rescued and taken to a hospital for medical attention.
The suspect and other individuals who were being pursued reportedly escaped through the river.
Community sources further said traditional rites associated with drowning incidents in Obiaruku were performed before the remains of the deceased officer were released to the relevant authorities.
The rites reportedly involved the provision of a goat and other items, although details surrounding the practice were not immediately available.
Sources within the NDLEA said an investigation would be conducted to establish the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death.
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The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, also appealed for calm as authorities continued to look into the incident.
