President Bola Tinubu has ordered the management of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to investigate the tragic death of two-year-old boy, Ivan Omhonrina, who was hit by a stray bullet during a raid in Delta State.
NIGERIACRIME had earlier reported that the minor was killed during the operation carried out by officers of the NDLEA in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state.
Reacting to the incident, President Tinubu expressed profound sadness over the tragic death of two-year-old boy.
He ordered a thorough investigation into Ivan’s death while noting the importance of identifying and holding accountable those responsible for this unfortunate tragedy.
He also called upon security agents to exercise the utmost professionalism and caution in the execution of their duties, ensuring that innocent lives are not put at risk.
He acknowledged the anguish and grief experienced by Ivan Omhonrina’s parents, expressing his deepest sympathy for their painful loss.
He said, “I mourn the death of little Ivan Omhonrina and sympathise with his parents for the painful experience of losing an innocent child in a most tragic manner.”
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“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.”
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives also asked the acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to take over the case.
The resolution was a sequel to a motion moved by Unyime Idem (PDP, Akwa-Ibom) on Tuesday during plenary.
In the motion, Mr Idem explained that the tragic event occurred on 13 July when the young Omhonrina was hit by a stray bullet allegedly from an officer of the NDLEA in Asaba, Delta State.
The lawmaker also cited several other accidental shootings by law enforcement agencies that led to the death of young persons.
Mr Idem warned, “If urgent intervention to proffer lasting solutions and end these recurring killings of innocent Nigerians by stray bullets are not put in place, more citizens will continue to sustain injuries and may lead to eventual loss of lives.”
He added that there is a need for swift and decisive action to stem the trend of accidental killings.