The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said that it is investigating a shooting incident involving its officers during the raid of a drug joint at the Okpanam area of Asaba, the Delta State capital.
A two-year-old was said to have been unfortunately hit by a stray bullet and his brother was also injured during the incident and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
Sources said the deceased child, Ivan Omhonria and his younger sibling, Eromonsele, had just returned from school to their mother’s shop when they were hit by stray bullets.
The source said Ivan was hit on his abdomen while the bullet brushed Eromonsele in the eye.
He said the victims were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Asaba for treatment, adding that Ivan could not survive it.
In a statement on Saturday, NDLEA said that its Chairman, Brigadier Geneneral Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.) has set up a panel of officials from the national headquarters in Abuja to proceed to Asaba for an on-the-spot investigation of the unfortunate incident.
According to the NDLEA, the probe followed an initial incident report. It further said: “A team of NDLEA operatives carried out an intelligence-based raid of the joint of a notorious drug dealer located at Okpanam area of Asaba at about 1600 hours on Thursday 13th July and in the process of the operation, a Toyota Camry 2008 model, light blue colour at the scene suddenly zoomed off and knocked down one of our officers who is currently in critical condition, undergoing treatment in a hospital.
“In a bid to demobilize the car and prevent it from escaping, another officer fired a shot aimed at the tyre of the car, which eventually escaped. While the injured Officer was rushed for treatment, the officers got reports of a stray bullet hitting a young person and immediately located the father of the victim, followed him to the hospital and supported in facilitating his treatment but unfortunately died in the process.
“We’re in touch with the family to provide necessary assistance while we conclude our investigation of the incident. We will like to assure the family and members of the public that we’ll get to the root of the case and take necessary action(s)”.
