Bayelsa State was gripped by tension as four officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) were reportedly injured during an operation in Oruma, a community in the Ogbia Local Government Area.
The incident occurred when the officials, who were in search of drug peddlers, faced resistance from irate youths in the border community with Rivers State.
The NDLEA operatives had stormed Oruma with the intent to apprehend suspected drug dealers when they were met with violent opposition.
The spokesperson for the state command of the NDLEA, Mr. Daniel Obah, confirmed the incident in Yenagoa on Thursday, stating that four of their officers were critically injured and are currently receiving treatment in a hospital.
According to Obah, the operation was a routine effort to arrest drug peddlers, but it escalated into a confrontation that left the officers severely wounded.
Additionally, three other personnel sustained minor injuries and have since been discharged from the hospital. The NDLEA’s vehicles were also vandalized in the fracas.
The Youth President of Oruma community, Inebika-emi, provided a different perspective on the clash. He explained that the youths of the community had only sought clarification from the NDLEA officials about the arrest of their peers, which had been conducted without prior notice to the community leaders.
According to him, four of their youths were also critically injured and taken to Yenagoa for treatment, with their families being denied access to them.
Inebika-emi emphasized that Oruma community has long condemned drug dealing and has strict laws against drug use.
He described the actions of the NDLEA as unprofessional and barbaric, calling on the state commander of the NDLEA and the Bayelsa State government to intervene.
He stressed that the community values peace and does not want to resort to taking the law into their own hands.
The situation in Oruma remains tense as both sides await further developments.