The House of Representatives on Wednesday resolved to investigate officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), alleged to have killed a 16-year-old boy in Okpuje-Ilueha, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by the Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, at plenary.

In his presentation, Ihonvbere described the killing of the teenager, Emmanuel George, as a tragic outcome of the conduct of NDLEA personnel during a recent operation in the agrarian community. He said the officers had stormed Okpuje in an attempt to arrest one Abiodun Omage.

According to him, “The incidents of Monday, October 27, 2025, led to the mournful cries from residents of Okeigho in Okpuje and other neighbouring communities.”

He condemned what he called the harassment, intimidation, destruction of property, and sporadic shootings that resulted in the death of George in the family’s living room.

Ihonvbere added, “The House notes that other community members suffered different degrees of bullet wounds either on the leg or have bullets lodged in their stomachs, and are on the danger list in Irrua Specialist Hospital, Edo State.

“These masked NDLEA operatives, who came at dawn in two Army gun trucks and a salon car, left in their trail tears and agony that the community is yet to recover from.

“The House is aware that the constitutional mandate of the NDLEA is to combat drug trafficking and abuse, and to operate within the confines of the law and not to run riot on the peace-loving people of a given community.

“The House is further aware that such violent conduct undermines public trust in law enforcement institutions, violates the rights of citizens, and risks escalating tensions between the community and the agency.

“The House is disturbed that the unchecked abuse of power by law enforcement officers erodes the rule of law and contradicts Nigeria’s commitment to human rights and justice.

“The House is further disturbed that if allegations of misconduct are not promptly investigated, it could damage Nigeria’s international reputation in the fight against drug trafficking and human rights protection.”

Presiding over the plenary, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu directed the Joint Committees on Narcotics, Human Rights, and Public Safety to immediately investigate the alleged unlawful actions of the NDLEA officers in Okpuje.

The House also urged the Federal Government and the NDLEA leadership to suspend officers implicated in the incident pending the conclusion of the inquiry.

The committees were mandated to report back to the House within a stipulated timeframe for further legislative action. (The PUNCH)