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President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday expressed sadness at the death of two-year-old Ivan Omhonrina killed by a stray bullet from the NDLEA on July 13.
The toddler was killed by a stray bullet while operatives of the NDLEA were conducting a raid at Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta.
A stray bullet also hit Ivan’s sibling, one-year-old Eromonsele in his left eye and is currently receiving medical attention at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba.
“I mourn the death of little Ivan and sympathise with his parents for the painful experience of losing an innocent child in a most tragic manner.
“Ivan did not deserve to die that way. We must ensure the incident did not end like that and that what happened to Ivan does not happen to any other person again.
“I also pray for the quick recovery of Eronmonsele, who was reportedly injured in that unfortunate event.
“That incident is unacceptable. We must unravel those who foisted agony on the Omhonrinas and ensure they are brought to justice,’’ Tinubu said.
Meanwhile, the president has directed the NDLEA to speedily and thoroughly investigate the incident with a view to punishing those found culpable.
The president also charged security agents to be more professional and be more careful when conducting their operations to avoid risking the lives of innocent Nigerians.
Reps seek prosecution of NDLEA officers in killing of 2-year-old in Delta
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has called for full investigation and prosecution of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency officers involved in the shooting and killing of a two-year-old boy, Ivan Omhonrina.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion jointly sponsored by Rep. Onose Omhonrina (PDP-Delta) at the plenary in Abuja on Tuesday.
In his motion, he recalled that on July 13, a two-year-old Omhonrina, who was returning from school
tragically lost his life due to a stray bullet fired by NDLEA in Asaba, Delta.
He said, his younger brother Eromosele Omhonrina was also shut in one of his eyes.
He also noted that on April 4, a 17-year-old boy, Ibuchim Ofezie, a resident of the Agingi Community of Bassa Local Government Area of Jos was killed by some police patrol operatives attached to the “C” Division of the Command.
According to him, on 28 May, Bakare Demola was shot dead by Mr.Kabiru Odejimi, a Police officer of the Nigerian Police Force in Oregun, Ikeja area, Lagos State.
He said innocent Nigerians had been either injured or lost their lives due to stray bullets fired by law enforcement officers in the country.
He said if urgent intervention to proffer lasting solutions and end such recurring killings of
innocent Nigerians by stray bullets were not checkmated, citizens would continue to sustain injuries which could lead to eventual loss of lives.
He said the reoccurring killings of innocent Nigerians by stray bullets posed significant risks and consequences for individuals, communities, and the nation.
He said it was imperative that immediate, and decisive actions were taken to address the issue, restored trust, protect human rights, and ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians;
Adopting the motion, the House resolved to refer the matter to the House Committee on Human Rights and National Security and Intelligence
The House also urged the Inspector-General of Police (I-GP) to take over the investigation and prosecution of the officers involved in the shooting and killing of Omhonrina
The House urged the IGP to ensure that the perpetrators were brought to book while urging NDLEA and all other law enforcement agencies to provide regular training and sensitisation programs for their officers.