•Reps want IGP to probe incidence
President Bola Tinubu has directed the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to speedily and thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of two-year-old Ivan Onose Omhonrina, killed by its agents in Delta State.
Stray bullets from officials of the NDLEA, who were on a raid of an alleged illicit drug joint around Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, had reported hit the young Ivan and his younger sibling, Eromonsele, who were at their mother’s shop.
There have been major outcries over the incident from youths across the country, the Delta State government and the Federal House of Representatives, which has called on the Inspector-General of Police to prosecute the officials of the NDLEA involved in the incident.
However, reacting to the incident yesterday, President Tinubu, expressed sadness over the death of the toddler and the injury sustained by his sibling, directing the NDLEA to swiftly take action on the development.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Dele Alake, said: “The President has directed the NDLEA management to speedily and thoroughly investigate the incident with a view to punishing those found culpable. The President charged security agents to be more professional and careful when conducting their operations to avoid risking the lives of innocent Nigerians.”
The statement further quoted the President as saying: “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. 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.”
Earlier, the House of Representatives urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to take over the investigation and prosecution of the NDLEA officers involved in the toddler’s killing, urging all law enforcement agencies to provide regular training and sensitization programmes for their personnel on the appropriate use of firearms, conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques and respect for human rights.
The Nation
