NDLEA Officials Raid Catholic Cathedral in Search of Suspect in Aba, Sparking Outrage

Armed operatives suspected to be from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) caused a commotion on Thursday, April 4, 2024, as they invaded the Catholic Cathedral of the Christ the Kings Church (CKC) in Aba, Abia State. The cathedral, located in the heart of Aba, witnessed a chaotic scene when the armed individuals stormed the premises, unsettling worshipers and residents.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the NDLEA officials, numbering over ten, forcefully entered the church premises, disrupting the regular midday prayers. Amidst indiscriminate gunshots, church attendees and people in the vicinity sought safety from the unfolding incident. Shocked and frightened, several individuals, including church workers and security personnel, were reportedly taken away by the NDLEA operatives.

Reports suggest that the commotion began on Wednesday, April 3, with a confrontation between the church’s security guards and individuals believed to be affiliated with the NDLEA. The clash allegedly stemmed from an attempt to apprehend a suspect, who sought refuge within the CKC premises, leading to resistance from the church’s guards.

As tensions escalated, the church security insisted on obtaining consent from the church authorities before the suspect could be arrested. Following the initial confrontation, the NDLEA agents revisited the church on Thursday, culminating in a disorderly scene that left many outraged. Subsequent attempts to reach the Abia State Command of the NDLEA for comments were unsuccessful, with spokesperson Mr. Iyke Akunna not responding to inquiries.

A source, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that the NDLEA’s return to the cathedral could be attributed to a perception within the agency that such sacred spaces might be exploited as harbors for criminals. The violation of the church premises has sparked widespread condemnation and heightened apprehension among the local Catholic community in Aba and beyond.