The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has demanded the return of a stolen pistol from the Oduma community in Ogbia Local Government Area in Bayelsa State.
News About Nigeria reports that the agency has given the community a seven-day ultimatum to return the weapon or face legal repercussions.
The incident that sparked this confrontation occurred on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, when NDLEA operatives attempted to arrest suspected drug dealers in the area.
According to Daniel Obah, the agency’s Public Relations Officer, the operation turned violent when local youths intervened, resulting in injuries to four NDLEA personnel and damage to an official vehicle.
In a statement released Friday, the NDLEA refuted claims made by the community’s Youth President, Joshua Inebika-emi, who had suggested that the youths were merely seeking clarification about the arrests.
The agency alleges that the community members not only freed two suspects in custody but also seized a firearm and vandalised a government-provided vehicle.
Kanu Chukwuemeka, the State Commander of the NDLEA in Bayelsa, has called upon the community leadership, including the paramount ruler, to produce the stolen pistol, the freed suspects, and all seized evidence within the given timeframe.
“The irate indigenes of the Oduma community blocked the bridge to the community, overpowered the advance team of officers, seized a pistol, freed the two suspects, took the recovered exhibits, and vandalised the restoration taxi with registration number BYS 060 TR, which was provided to the command by the Bayelsa State Government.
“They shot and stabbed the NDLEA officers. It was only when they sighted the NDLEA backup tactical team that they began to flee, which prevented further fatalities.”
The NDLEA has also used called for societal support in the fight against drug abuse and addiction.
