NDLEA Invades Catholic Church, Beats Workers Over Arrest of Fleeing Suspect

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Abia State Command, has invaded Christ the King Cathedral, Aba, in an effort to arrest a suspected drug baron who fled into the premises of the Church.

It was gathered that attempts by the NDLEA operatives to arrest the suspect was resisted by the security men manning the gate of the Church.

The Cathedral security men were said to have insisted that the permission of the leadership of the Church must be obtained before the NDLEA could be allowed to take away the suspect.

Eyewitnesses said the situation led to a tussle between the operatives and the security men who later overpowered the latter and arrested the suspect.

Angered by the confrontation by the security men at the Church, the NDLEA operatives returned to the Church the next day and allegedly manhandled some security officials and worshippers who were said to be observing their prayers.

The situation caused panic in the area, as the NDLEA operatives fired sporadic gunshots.

Shop owners scampered for safety while motorists deserted the area.

An official of the church who spoke on the condition of anonymity said over seven church workers were whisked away by the operatives.

He added that many worshippers also sustained injuries in the confusion.