By Samuel Ike, Abuja

An officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has drowned in River Ethiope, Obiaruku, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, while pursuing suspected drug offenders.The incident occurred on Saturday when two NDLEA officers reportedly entered the river in an attempt to apprehend suspects who were fleeing from them. One of the officers drowned, while his colleague was rescued and taken to a hospital for medical attention.According to community sources, the incident began after a suspected drug offender who had reportedly been arrested on the opposite side of the river jumped into the water while being escorted towards the River Ethiope Bridge in an attempt to escape.The NDLEA officers reportedly followed the suspect into the river in an effort to prevent his escape. The suspect and other persons being pursued were said to have escaped through the water.The body of the missing officer was later recovered from the river and handed over to the relevant authorities.Community sources also said traditional rites associated with drowning incidents were performed in Obiaruku before the remains were released to the authorities. The rites reportedly included the provision of a goat and other items.Sources within the NDLEA said the agency would conduct a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer in Delta State, Bright Edafe, also appealed to residents to remain calm as authorities work to establish the facts.