Tension erupted in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State after a routine operation by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, suddenly turned violent.
A young boy was reportedly hit by a stray bullet after chaos broke out during the operation in Ikang community on Wednesday.
The incident happened after NDLEA operatives moved into the area to arrest suspected drug dealers. However, the operation later escalated into confusion following a reported mob attack on the officers.
Residents were thrown into panic as gunshots echoed through the community, forcing many people to flee for safety.
According to eyewitnesses, the situation changed within moments after confrontations started between residents and the security operatives.
“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.
Authorities also confirmed that exhibits linked to illegal drug activities were recovered during the raid.
Speaking on the incident, NDLEA’s Cross River Public Relations Officer, Sebastian Lebo, confirmed that officers were attacked while carrying out the operation.
“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,” Lebo stated.
He further explained that the operation became difficult after some individuals allegedly confronted the operatives.
“Our officers came under mob attack and unfortunately there was an injury,” he added.
Furthermore, Lebo confirmed that the injured boy is currently receiving treatment at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
According to him, the victim is responding positively to treatment despite the frightening incident.
Meanwhile, many locals have called for proper investigation into how the stray bullet injured the boy during the operation.
In addition, community members urged security agencies to improve crowd control during future raids to prevent civilian injuries.
