NDLEA Urges APC to Implement Drug Integrity Test for Politicians Ahead of Primaries By Ochuko Akuopha, Asaba
A heart-wrenching incident unfolded in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State, as stray bullets fired by National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives claimed the life of a two-year-old child and caused injuries to their sibling.
According to reports, the unfortunate incident took place during an NDLEA raid on a notorious drug joint in the area on Thursday. Tragically, Ivan Omhonria, the deceased child, and their younger sibling Eromonsele had just returned from school and were near their mother’s shop when they were struck by the stray bullets.
Witnesses revealed that Ivan was hit in the abdomen, while Eromonsele suffered a graze to the eye from the bullet. The victims were promptly rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Asaba for immediate medical attention, but unfortunately, Ivan could not survive.
Addressing the incident, Mr. John Tunde, the State Commandant of the NDLEA, denied that his men deliberately opened fire on the children, asserting that such unprofessional behavior would not be tolerated. He explained that during the raid, there was a Toyota Camry parked nearby, and one of his operatives was injured when the vehicle tried to flee the scene. In an attempt to immobilize the car, shots were fired, but it remains unclear whether the children were inside the vehicle at the time. Mr. Tunde emphasized that the NDLEA did not open fire at any shop, and the injured operative was currently receiving treatment at the Central Hospital in Ogwashi-Uku.
In a display of support, Mr. Tunde shared that he had visited the hospital during the night with the child’s father to offer assistance and express his condolences.
