The police in Delta State have confirmed the death of a 15-year-old boy, Gift Oberhirhi, who reportedly died following the alleged abuse of Dexamethasone tablets.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe said in a statement that the case was reported at Orogun Police Division in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
The drug was reportedly provided to the teenager by his friend, Destiny Akpofure, who is also 15 years old.
Edafe said that the deceased, without a doctor’s prescription, took the drug from the suspect and swallowed fifteen tablets.
He also disclosed that the boy subsequently fell ill and died while being taken for medical attention.
He said that police operatives promptly responded to the report, visited the scene, and evacuated the body to the General Hospital Mortuary, Orogun, for autopsy.
The suspect, he said, has been arrested and is currently in custody, while the matter will be thoroughly investigated.
The State Police Command has intensified intelligence-led operations targeting drug dens, blackspots, and criminal hideouts across the state as part of sustained efforts to dismantle drug networks, prevent avoidable deaths, and curb crimes associated with substance abuse, including cultism and violence.
He said the move became necessary in view of recurring drug-related incidents reported in various parts of the state, many of which involve young persons.
The police image maker noted that the incident reflects the serious public safety risks posed by the illegal distribution and misuse of drugs, hard drugs, controlled drugs, and other substances, particularly among vulnerable groups.
“It further underscores the urgency of ongoing enforcement actions aimed at disrupting the activities of those engaged in the unlawful sale and distribution of drugs,” he noted.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi John Oyeniyi, has reiterated the Command’s commitment to the protection of lives and property and assured the public that all necessary measures will be taken to address drug-related crimes across the state.
Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and report drug sales or use and other suspicious activities to the nearest police station for necessary action.
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