By Efe Onodjae
A yet-to-be-identified officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has reportedly drowned while pursuing a suspected drug offender into the Ethiope River at Obiaruku, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State.
The incident, which reportedly occurred on Saturday, was captured in a video circulating on social media and seen by Vanguard.
According to information accompanying the video, the NDLEA officers were reportedly attempting to apprehend suspected drug offenders when one of the suspects, who was allegedly being taken towards the Ethiope River Bridge, jumped into the river in an attempt to escape.
The officers reportedly followed the suspect into the river in an effort to apprehend him.
While one of the officers was reportedly rescued and taken to a hospital for medical attention, another was said to have drowned in the process.
The suspected offenders were also said to have escaped through the river.
The body of the officer reportedly drowned was later recovered from the river.
Community sources said traditional rites associated with drowning incidents in the area were performed before the remains were released to the relevant authorities.
The sources claimed that items, including a goat, were provided as part of the traditional rites.
However, Vanguard could not independently verify the identities of the officers involved, the suspected offenders or the circumstances surrounding the alleged pursuit.
The NDLEA was yet to officially comment on the incident as of press time.
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