A young boy was hit by a stray bullet during a chaotic confrontation that erupted after operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) conducted a raid in Ikang, Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The operation led to the arrest of two suspected drug dealers and the recovery of illicit substances.
Sources said it flared when a mob allegedly attacked the NDLEA operatives during the exercise, triggering panic in the community.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said residents scampered for safety after gunshots rang out 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, with many residents struggling to understand what led to the clash.
Confirming the incident on Thursday, the Public Relations Officer of the NDLEA in Cross River State, Sebastian Lebo, said the operatives came under attack while carrying out the operation but succeeded in arresting the suspects.
“It is true that our officers were at Bakassi for an operation. The two dealers that were targets were arrested with good quality exhibits and are now in custody. Our officers came under mob attack and unfortunately there was an injury,” Lebo said.
He disclosed that the injured boy is receiving treatment at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and is responding positively.
Lebo added that despite the attack, the operatives completed the operation and recovered exhibits linked to the suspects.
The PUNCH