The Edo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the alleged killing of a 16-year-old boy, Emmanuel George, during a reported clash between operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and suspected drug barons in Okpuje, a village in the Uzeba community, Owan West Local Government Area of the state.
Residents of the community accused NDLEA officials of being responsible for the teenager’s death, while two other persons, identified as Godspower Omage (20) and Ajayi Irobia (54), were said to be receiving treatment in the hospital.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, on Thursday.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that a joint team of NDLEA officers and soldiers came under attack by suspected drug barons in the agrarian community, which is notorious for cannabis cultivation.
In a statement, the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said one of the agency’s officers sustained an injury after being struck on the hand with a sharp object.
Ofoyeju told PUNCH Online on Thursday that the team came under heavy attack while carrying out an operation in the community.
He said, “The operation took place at about 8 pm, and the team had to fight back and retreat to ensure no one was injured. It was not possible to know that someone had been killed, as members of the team fought to leave the place alive.
“I am hearing that someone was killed during the operation. What happened was that the NDLEA team was attacked as soon as it got into the town. They had to fight back and retreat, but at that time, one of our officers was hit by a sharp object.
“I wonder why people will attack those who came to do their legitimate jobs. The officials were not there to fight anyone but to carry out their duties as stipulated by the Constitution.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, has visited the community to commiserate with the bereaved family and assess the situation firsthand.
The police statement signed by Ikoedem read, “In a swift and compassionate move, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, on the 28th of October 2025, visited Uzeba community in the company of the Deputy Commissioner in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), DCP Isah Lawal, to assess the situation firsthand.
“During the visit, the CP paid a condolence visit to the bereaved family, particularly the parents of the deceased boy, Mr and Mrs Monday George, and offered words of comfort on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force, Edo State Command.
“The CP also held a peace engagement with community leaders and youths, urging them to remain calm and not take the law into their own hands. He emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and order, assuring them that the police have taken over the case and are conducting a thorough and impartial investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“He reiterated that justice will be served and that the long arm of the law will catch up with anyone found culpable.
“Furthermore, the CP visited Godswill Memorial Nursing Centre, Uzeba, where he met Godspower Omage and Ajayi Irobia, who were receiving medical attention. He assured them of justice and police support.
“The CP also visited the mortuary where the remains of the deceased boy were deposited and arranged for an autopsy to determine the cause of death and ensure proper documentation for the ongoing investigation.”
The Commissioner of Police has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department, Benin City, to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
The command assured the public that updates would be provided as credible findings emerge, reaffirming its commitment to justice, peace, and the protection of lives and property across the state.
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