The Edo State Police Command has initiated a probe into the alleged killing of 16-year-old Emmanuel George, which reportedly occurred during a confrontation between operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and suspected drug barons in Okpuje, Uzeba community, Owan West Local Government Area.
Community residents have alleged that NDLEA officials are responsible for the teenager’s demise. Two other individuals, Godspower Omage, 20, and Ajayi Irobia, 54, are also reportedly receiving medical treatment in a hospital for injuries.
This development was confirmed in a statement released on Thursday by the command’s Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem.
It was previously reported that a joint team of NDLEA officers and soldiers was assaulted by alleged drug barons in the agrarian community, which is known for cannabis cultivation. In a statement, the Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, confirmed that one of the agency’s officers sustained an injury after being struck by a sharp object on the hand.
Ofoyeju told reporters on Thursday that the team faced a heavy attack while conducting its operation.
He explained, “The operation took place at about 8 pm, and the team had to fight back and retreat to ensure no one was injured. It was not possible to know that someone had been killed, as members of the team fought to leave the place alive. I am hearing that someone was killed… What happened was that the NDLEA team was attacked as soon as it got into the town. They had to fight back and retreat, but at that time, one of our officers was hit by a sharp object.
“I wonder why people will attack those who came to do their legitimate jobs. The officials were not there to fight anyone but to carry out their duties as stipulated by the Constitution.”
In response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, has visited the community to offer condolences to the grieving family and personally assess the situation.
The police statement from Ikoedem noted, “In a swift and compassionate move, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, on the 28th of October 2025, visited Uzeba community in the company of the Deputy Commissioner in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), 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 statement added, “The CP also held a peace engagement with community leaders and youths, urging them to remain calm and not take the law into their own hands… assuring them that the police have taken over the case and are conducting a thorough and impartial investigation… 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 Godspower Omage and Ajayi Irobia. He assured them of justice and police support.
“The CP also visited the mortuary where the remains of the deceased boy were deposited and arranged for an autopsy to determine the cause of death and ensure proper documentation for the ongoing investigation.”
The Commissioner ofPolice has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department in Benin City to conduct a comprehensive investigation. The command assured the public
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