Prosecute NDLEA officers involved in the killing of Ivan Omhonrina – Reps tell IGP

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives on Tuesday asked the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to take over the investigation and prosecution of the officer(s) 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.

This was just as the House insisted that the perpetrators must be brought to book.

The House equally asked the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency 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 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 weeks.

Also, the Committee on National Security and Intelligence (when constituted), was mandated to effectively monitor the activities of law enforcement agencies, including conducting regular evaluations, reviewing incidents, and recommend appropriate actions to prevent similar occurrences and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

The House observed a minute silence for Ivan Onose Omhonrina and other victims, who tragically lost their lives to the irresponsibility of security agents.

The House resolutions followed the adoption of a motion “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, the Lawmaker noted that on July 13, 2023, a two-year old, Ivan Onose Omhonrina, who was returning from school tragically lost his life due to a stray bullet fired by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Asaba, Delta State.

“Also noted that Ivan’s younger brother Eromosele Omhonrina was also shot in one of his eyes.

Further noted that 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.

It also pointed out that similarly on May 28, 2023, one Bakare Idris Demola, was shot dead by Mr. Kabiru Odejimi, a Police officer of the Nigerian Police Force in Oregun, Ikeja area, Lagos State.

Worried that innocent Nigerians have been either injured or lost their lives due to stray bullets fired by law enforcement officers in the country.

Concerned that if urgent intervention to proffer a lasting solution 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.

Also worried that the recurring killings of innocent Nigerians by stray bullets pose significant risks and consequences for individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole.

It urged that swift, immediate, and decisive action be taken to address this issue, restore the trust, protect human rights, and ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.