A tragic confrontation between operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and suspected drug barons in Okpuje, Uzeba community, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, has reportedly led to the death of a 16-year-old boy identified as Emmanuel Monday George.

Two other persons — God’spower Omage (20) and Ajayi Irobia (54) — were said to have sustained serious injuries during the violent clash, which occurred on Monday.

According to a statement issued in Benin City on Thursday by the NDLEA State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, one of the agency’s officers also sustained an injury after being struck on the hand with a sharp object during the encounter.

Ofoyeju explained that the incident occurred when a combined team of NDLEA and Nigerian Army personnel advanced into the community, which is notorious for cannabis cultivation and trafficking. The team reportedly came under attack from local drug cultivators who ambushed them, sparking an exchange of gunfire.

“A combined team of NDLEA and Army personnel came under attack on Monday at Ukpuje town, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State,” Ofoyeju stated.

“Unfortunately, one officer was struck by a sharp object on the hand. This officer has since received medical attention and is expected to make a full recovery.”

He commended the bravery of the officers involved and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to eliminating drug activities across Edo State.

“Our mission is to ensure that illegal drug operations are disrupted, particularly in areas notorious for cannabis cultivation,” he said. “Although we faced resistance, we are grateful that no life was lost among our personnel, and our team was able to carry out the operation efficiently.”

Ofoyeju noted that the NDLEA would continue to intensify its efforts against drug cultivation and trafficking, describing the operation as part of a broader national strategy to curb narcotics and enhance community safety.

“We will not relent in our pursuit of a drug-free society. Operations like these are crucial in our fight against narcotics,” he added.

It would be recalled that similar attacks were recently reported in the same area, where NDLEA and Army officers came under fire from suspected drug dealers.

The Ukpuje and Uzeba axis of Owan West has long been identified as a hotspot for illicit cannabis cultivation, posing persistent challenges to law enforcement agencies in the state.