- Agency Report
Edo House of Assembly has called for probe over the alleged attack by operatives of the Nigerian Army and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Ukpuje Community in Owan West Local Government of the state on October 27.
The Speaker, Chief Blessing Agbebaku made the call during plenary on Tuesday in Benin.
Agbebaku, condemned the attack which reportedly led to the death of one person, while several others were seriously injured.
The Speaker appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Commissioner of Police to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident to uncover the circumstances surrounding the attack.
While joining their Speaker to condemn the attack, the Edo lawmakers unanimously appealed that a panel of enquiry be set up to investigate the unfortunate incident.
According to reports, the NDLEA operatives had, in joint operation with the Nigerian Army, stormed a cannabis farm in Ukpuje.
They however met strogn resistance as they came under heavy gunfire from the drug cultivators and traffickers while advancing into the forest settlement to destroy illegal cannabis plantations.
The Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mitchel Ofoyeju, in a statement issued on Monday, said one of the agency’s officers got injured during the confrontation.
“The officers came under intense gunfire from drug cultivators and traffickers as they advanced into Ukpuje,
“One of our officers sustained injuries after being struck by a sharp object during the confrontation but has since received medical attention and is now stable.” Ofoyeju said.