Alleged Shooting Incident by NDLEA Operatives Stirs Anger in Lagos Community
Two individuals, including Gafar Yusuf, were reportedly shot dead by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the Idioro area of Mushin, Lagos State.
According to sources, the NDLEA operatives arrived in the community around 10pm on Wednesday to carry out a drug raid. In the process, they began shooting indiscriminately to intimidate local hoodlums who were attempting to disrupt their mission.
Tragically, stray bullets from the NDLEA operatives’ weapons struck and killed the victims. One resident named Olasunkanmi questioned the rationale behind the operatives firing recklessly in a residential area, pointing out that Yusuf was shot in the head while the other victim was hit in the chest.
The victims died instantly, causing significant anger among the community’s residents. Olasunkanmi acknowledged the importance of the NDLEA’s job but criticized the operatives for their irresponsible shooting in a residential neighborhood. He explained that about 50 armed operatives, some in official uniforms and others in casual attire, conducted the raid. The drug dealers targeted by the operation became furious and reportedly made threats.
Lukmon, another resident, revealed that Yusuf’s grieving mother, Olaide, informed him about the incident, stating that the community has had enough of the NDLEA’s actions. He questioned why the operatives resorted to careless shooting in a residential neighborhood instead of employing targeted strategies to arrest their intended suspects.
Videos of the raid show the chaos and panic that ensued, with residents seen shedding tears as they gathered around the motionless bodies of the victims on the road. Blood stains from the corpses were visible, heightening the community’s anger and frustration over the incident.
As of reporting, the spokesperson for the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, did not respond to calls or a text message.