Rep. Idem noted that on April 4, 2023, a 17-year-old boy, Ibuchim Ofezie, was killed by some police patrol operatives, while Bakare Idris Demola was shot dead by Kabiru Odejimi, a Police officer in Oregun, Lagos on 28th May 2023.
The House of Representatives on Tuesday, observed a minute silence for Ivan Onose Omhonrina and other victims, who tragically lost their lives as a result of stray bullets fired by officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Adana, Delta State.
The lawmakers also urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to take over the investigation and prosecution of the officer(s) involved in the shooting and killing of Ivan Onose Omhonrina, and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.
They further urged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and all other law enforcement agencies to provide regular training and sensitisation programmes for their officers on the appropriate use of firearms, conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques, and respect for human rights.
The House equally mandated its Committee on National Security and Intelligence and Human Rights (when constituted), to effectively monitor the activities of law enforcement agencies, including conducting regular evaluations, reviewing incidents, and recommend appropriate actions to prevent similar occurrences.
These resolutions were contained in a motion calling for investigation and prosecution of the Officers involved in shooting and killing of Ivan Onose Omhonrina, sponsored by Rep. Unyime Idem (PDP, Akwa Ibom).
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Moving the motion, Rep. Idem 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, while his younger brother Eromosele Omhonrina was also shot in one of his eyes.
He also noted that on April 4, 2023, a 17-year-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, similarly on the 28 May 2023, Bakare Idris Demola was shot dead by Kabiru Odejimi; a Police officer in Oregun, Ikeja Area of Lagos State.
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The lawmaker, who lamented that innocent Nigerians have been either injured or lost their lives due to stray bullets fired by law enforcement officers in the country, 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 citizens will continue to sustain injuries and may lead to eventual loss of lives.
According to him, “the recurring killings of innocent Nigerians by stray bullets pose significant risks and consequences for individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole, It is therefore important that swift, immediate, and decisive action is taken to address this issue, restore the trust, protect human rights, and ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.”
Consequently, the House mandated the above committees to carry out an investigation on the matter and report back within six (6) weeks for further legislative action.
