Drug Law Officer Dies After Diving Into Delta River In Pursuit Of Fleeing Suspect
An officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reportedly drowned in River Ethiope in Obiaruku Community in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State after he dived after a fleeing suspected offender.
Community sources reported that the incident occurred after NDLEA operatives apprehended a suspected drug offender.
While moving along the River Ethiope Bridge, the suspect suddenly broke free from the officers and jumped into the river in an apparent attempt to escape arrest.
In an effort to apprehend the fleeing suspect, the NDLEA officers reportedly entered the river in pursuit.
The officer reportedly drowned in the process.
Another officer who also entered the river was said to have been rescued and rushed to a hospital for medical attention.
The suspect and other persons reportedly being pursued were said to have escaped through the river during the incident.
The body of the deceased NDLEA officer was later recovered from the River Ethiope.
According to The Guardian, the recovery of the officer’s remains was followed by traditional rites observed in Obiaruku in connection with persons who drown in the River Ethiope.
Community sources said the traditional practice requires certain rites to be performed before the remains of a drowning victim can be released.
The sources said the rites were reportedly performed before the remains were eventually released to NDLEA authorities.
The sources added that the traditional requirements included the provision of a goat and other specified items.
The circumstances surrounding the drowning, including the precise identities of the deceased officer, the surviving officer and the suspected drug offender, could not be independently established as of the time of filing this report.
A senior NDLEA officer confirmed the incident, stating that an investigation had commenced.
