By Asuquo Cletus
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two suspected drug dealers during an operation in Ikang, Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State.
It was gathered that the operation, however, turned chaotic after it was allegedly disrupted by a mob attack, during which an innocent boy was injured by a stray bullet.
An eyewitness, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said panic broke out when gunshots were heard during the confrontation.
“Gunshots were suddenly heard during the confrontation, and people started running. After the situation calmed down, it was discovered that a young boy had been hit by a stray bullet and was lying on the ground before he was rushed to the hospital,” the eyewitness said.
The source added that the incident threw the community into confusion as residents struggled to understand what triggered the confrontation.
Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the NDLEA in Cross River State, Sebastian Lebo, said the operatives were attacked during the exercise but successfully carried out the operation.
“It is true that our officers were at Bakassi for an operation. The two dealers that were targets were arrested with good quality of exhibit and are now in custody. Our officers came under mob attack and unfortunately there was an injury,” Lebo said.
He added that the injured boy is receiving treatment at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and is responding positively.
Lebo further stated that despite the attack, the operatives completed the assignment and recovered exhibits linked to the suspects.
