'How two-year-old was killed by stray bullet during Delta drug joint raid'

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has expressed regret over the death of two-year-old that was killed while anti narcotic agents were chasing drug suspects in Delta State.

**CAPTION: ONOSE/NDLEA OPERATIVES IN PATROL VAN PHOTO: CREDIT FACEBOOK**

Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesman said said the Agency is investigating the incident involving the victim whose name was given as Onose and its officers during the raid of a drug joint at Okpanam area of Asaba, the State Capital.

Babafemi disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, said the lad eventually died while undergoing treatment at undisclosed hospital.

He said the Chairman/Chief Executive, Mr Mohamed Buba Marwa has after receiving initial briefings from the Delta state command of NDLEA.

Accordingly, Marwa has ordered the Command to set up a panel of top officials from the national headquarters in Abuja to immediately proceed to Asaba for an on-the-spot investigation of the unfortunate incident with a view to establishing the actual facts of the case.

The statement partly read, “A team of NDLEA operatives carried out an intelligence-based raid of the joint of a notorious drug dealer located at Okpanam area of Asaba at about 1600 hours on Thursday 13th July and in the process of the operation, a Toyota Camry 2008 model, light blue colour at the scene suddenly zoomed off and knocked down one of our officers who is currently in critical condition, undergoing treatment in a hospital.

“In a bid demobilize the car and prevent it from escaping, another officer fired a shot aimed at the tyre of the car, which eventually escaped.

“While the injured Officer was rushed for treatment, the officers got reports of a stray bullet hitting a young person and immediately located the father of the victim, followed him to the hospital and supported in facilitating his treatment but unfortunately died in the process.

“We’re in touch with the family to provide necessary assistance while we conclude our investigation of the incident. We will like to assure the family and members of the public that we’ll get to the root of the case and take necessary action(s)”, the NDLEA said.