The House of Representatives has urged the Inspector General of Police to probe officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) involved in the shooting and killing of a two-year-old boy, Ivan Onose Omhonrina, in Delta State.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion titled “Call for Investigation and Prosecution of the Officers involved in Shooting and Killing of Ivan Onose Omhonrina’ sponsored by Hon. Unyime Idem.”
Presenting the motion at the plenary on Tuesday, Idem recalled that on July 13, 2023, a two-years old Omhonrina, who was returning from school tragically lost his life due to a stray bullet fired by NDLEA officer(s) in Asaba, Delta State.
It was reported that his younger brother Eromosele Omhonrina was also shut in one of his eyes.
Idem also cited an instance where on
April 4, 2023, a 17 years old boy, Ibuchim Ofezie, a resident of Agingi Community of Bassa Local Government Area of Jos was killed by some police patrol operatives attached to “C” Division of the Command.
He alleged that similarly on the 28 May 2023, Bakare Idris Demola was shot dead by Mr. Kabiru Odejimi, a Police officer of the Nigerian Police Force in Oregun, Ikeja area, Lagos State;
He expressed concerns that innocent Nigerians have been either injured or lost their lives due to stray bullets fired by Law Enforcement Officers in the country.
The lawmaker warned that if urgent intervention to proffer a lasting solutions and end this recurring killings of innocent Nigerians by stray bullets are not put in place more citizen will continue to sustain injuries and may led to eventual loss of lives
He noted that the reoccurring killings of innocent Nigerians by stray bullets pose significant risks and consequences for individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole.
The house, therefore, urged the IGP to take over the investigation and prosecution of the officer(s) involved and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.
It 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 lawmakers further mandated the Committee on Human Rights (when constituted) to ensure that the family of Onose are adequately compensated for the loss and report back within six seeks weeks.
