Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
A teenage boy simply identified as Emmanuel Monday George is said to have been killed while two others- God’spower Omage and Ajayi Irobia are hospitalized as the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and some drug barons engaged in a gun duel at Okpuje, Uzeba community in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Recall that the agency had, on Monday, October 27, 2025, said that a joint team of Army and NDLEA officers were attacked by drug barons in the agrarian community, notable for cannabis cultivation.
In a statement by the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander of Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju, the agency said that, one of its officers sustained an injury after being struck on the hand with a sharp object.
However, in a statement by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer (DPPRO), Edo State Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, on Wednesday said that CP Monday Agbonika personally visited the community to condole with the bereaved family and ascertain the true situation.
“In a swift and compassionate move, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, on the 28th of October, 2025, personally visited Uzeba community in company with the Deputy Commissioner in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, 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 to take the law into their own hands”, the CP said.
He stressed 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 God’spower Omage (20 years) and Ajayi Irobia (54 years), 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 he arranged for an autopsy to determine the cause of death and ensure proper documentation for the ongoing investigation.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed that the case be thoroughly investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Benin City.
“The Command assures the general public that updates on the investigation will be communicated as soon as credible findings emerge.
“The Edo State Police Command remains committed to upholding justice, maintaining peace, and ensuring the protection of lives and property across the state”, the statement said