A young boy was injured after being hit by a stray bullet during an operation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Bakassi, Cross River State.
According to available information, the NDLEA operatives conducted a raid targeting drug dealers in the Bakassi area on Wednesday.
The raid turned chaotic when operatives came under a violent mob attack after the arrest of two suspected drug dealers.
Gunshots rang out during the confrontation, causing residents to flee in panic.
After the clash calmed down, a young boy was found on the ground with a stray bullet injury.
“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,” an eyewitness said.
When contacted, NDLEA’s Cross River Public Relations Officer, Sebastian Lebo, confirmed the attack.
He said operatives came under mob attack during the raid.
“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,” he said.
Lebo added that the boy is receiving treatment at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and responding positively.
He noted that operatives recovered exhibits despite the assault.
