Ayuba Sanusi
THE House of Representatives has urged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun to take over the investigation and prosecution of the officer(s) involved in the shooting and killing of Ivan Onose Omhonrina.
This is following the death of two-year-old Ivan Onose Omhonrina, who was returning from school on 13 July 2023, when he tragically lost his life due to a stray bullet fired by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Asaba, Delta State.
His younger brother, Eromosele Omhonrina was also shot in one of his eyes.
The House also urged the NDLEA and all other law enforcement agencies to provide regular training and sensitization programs for their officers on the appropriate use of firearms, conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques, and respect for human rights.
The House Committee on Human Rights and National Security and Intelligence (when constituted) was also mandated to ensure that the family of Onose are adequately compensated for the loss and report back within six weeks.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled “Call for Investigation and Prosecution of the Officers Involved in Shooting and Killing of Ivan Onose Omhonrina”, moved by Hon. Unyime Idem.
The lawmaker, while expressing worry, stated that innocent Nigerians have been either injured or lost their lives due to stray bullets fired by law enforcement officers in the country.
The House observed a minute silence for Omhonrina and other victims, who tragically lost their lives to the irresponsibility of security agents.
Eighteen-Eleven Media reports that Onose was reportedly hit by a stray bullet said to have been fired by NDLEA men on duty.
According to the father, who spoke with newsmen on Saturday in Asaba, the men of NDLEA were alleged to be pursuing some guys who they said were into drugs and shot sporadically in the process.
Onose, who was picked up from school on Friday by his parents, became a victim of this unfortunate mess.
The bullet pierced through his lower abdomen. He was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) and was handled by the medical team with the support of one of the school’s parents, Dr Yusuf. He was taken for emergency surgery. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it.
A bullet was also said to have hit his younger brother in one of his eyes. Surgery has been done and he is said to be in a stable condition.
Eighteen-Eleven Media