Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Saturday condemned the death of a two-year-old boy, Ivan Omolhia-Kogbe, who was allegedly shot dead by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
According to Punch, The governor’s reaction was contained in a eulogy addressed by Festus Ahon, the state governor’s chief spokesman, to the family of Ivan Omoluhiakogbe, who died in Asaba.
According to the governor, young Omolhiakogbe was hit by a “stray bullet” during an investigation by the NDLEA Delta Command in the Okpanam area of the state capital.
The state governor said the tragic incident was regrettable and could have been avoided if the police officers had acted according to the rules of engagement.
The governor urged the NDLEA authorities and the police command in Delta State to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the boy and the injury to his brother, arrest the perpetrators, and prevent a recurrence in the future.
He said, “On behalf of the Delta State government and the people of Delta State, I express my condolences to the family of Fidelis Omolhia-Kogbe for the tragic death of their two-year-old son, Ivan, and the injuries sustained by his younger brother, Elomonsere.
‘This incident is tragic, painful,d heartbreaking because of the loss of a child and the injuries to his younger siblings.
I condemn this unfortunate incident. I condemn this incident because, no matter what the provocation, armed guards must act within the standard procedures set outlined in the rules of engagement,” he said.
Any detion from such international best practices could result in a catastrophe, as in this case.
Therefore, I call upon the NDLEA and the police authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident and bring all perpetrators to justice.”
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