Ondo: How NDLEA Official Was Shot Dead During Sting Operation

By Ayodele Oni

Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of an Operative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), identified as Jide, in Ondo State.

A single barrel gun was also recovered from the scene of the incident.

Spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, who confirmed the arrest, noted that the command is collaborating with the NDLEA to get to the root of the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“We are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident and we will ensure that everyone connected to this heinous crime is prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the police spokesman assured.

“Immediately it happened, we reinforced some of our officers down to the scene. we have been able to arrest four prime suspects who are now in our custody.

“We have also recovered a single barrel gun, and investigation is also going in collaboration with the NDLEA to bring the perpetrators of the dastardly attack and killing to book,” Mr Ayanlade said.

The officer was shot dead  during a raid on an apartment in the Ita’nla area of Ondo town on Tuesday.

A team of the NDLEA came under gunfire when they stormed the building to recover the drugs stored inside the ceiling of the apartment.

An eye witness account revealed that “I guess the team got a tip that some drugs were stored inside the residential building at Ita’nla in Ondo. So, the officials came very early in a sting operation to bust the building.

“Immediately they came in, some of them entered into the building to recover the exhibits while Officer Jide stood outside mounting the sentry guard. Suspected gunmen came from nowhere and opened fire on him and was shot in the neck.

“The officer was immediately rushed to the hospital, but the doctors on duty confirmed him dead on arrival. It is a very sad development.”