An official of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Delta State reportedly drowned in the River Ethiope while pursuing a fleeing suspected drug offender in the state.

The incident reportedly happened in Obiaruku community, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, at the weekend.

It was gathered that NDLEA operatives in the area apprehended a suspected drug offender allegedly conveying illicit drugs and took him towards the River Ethiope Bridge, apparently to take him into custody.

Sources said the suspect suddenly escaped from the officers’ grip and, in a bid to evade arrest, jumped into the river.

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According to a source, in an effort to apprehend the fleeing suspect, the NDLEA officers reportedly entered the river in pursuit.

However, the operation turned tragic when one of the officers 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 being pursued was also said to have escaped through the river during the incident.

Another source, who confirmed the incident, described it as a mystery, noting that the river was not deep enough to drown someone.

He said the corpse was later recovered and handed over to the NDLEA after traditional rites for people who drown in the River Ethiope were performed in Obiaruku.

He said certain rites, including the provision of a goat and other specified items, are required to be performed before the remains of a drowning victim can be released by the community.

When contacted, the Delta State Commander of the NDLEA, Halilu Hamidi, referred journalists to the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, for response.

However, an NDLEA official confirmed the incident, saying investigation was ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the actual cause of the officer’s death.

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