A two-year-old baby, Ivan Onose was shot dead and his brother, Injured during a raid on a drug joint in Asaba.
An Activist, Israel Joe reports that “2-year-old little Onose died yesterday after he was hit by a stray bullet alleged to have been shot by NDLEA men on duty. His brother was also hit in the eye.
Local sources said the victims were in their mother’s shop after school hours on Friday when they were hit by stray bullets.
A stray bullet was said to have brushed Eromonsele on the eye while Ivan was hit on his abdomen.
According to the locals, the victims were rushed to the FMC for surgery, adding that Ivan could not survive it.
According to the father who spoke with newsmen, the men of NDLEA were alleged to be pursuing some guys who they said were into drugs and shot sporadically in the process.
“Onose, who was picked up from school yesterday by his parents became a victim of this unfortunate mess.
“The bullet pierced through his lower abdomen. He was rushed to FMC and was handled by the medical team with the support of one of the school’s parents Dr Yusuf. He was taken for emergency surgery Unfortunately, he didn’t make it. This is heartbroken!!! I’m so pained.
“The bullet also hit his younger brother in one of his eyes. Surgery has been done and he is stable to the glory of God!
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“We call on the authorities of the said body to get into investigations and unravel circumstances that led to the death of this young boy and injury to his younger brother.
Meanwhile, the Delta State command has reacted to the death of two-year-old Onose.
The State public relations officer, DSP Bright Edafe said, “The command is aware of this sad and unfortunate incident. The case has been transferred to SCID Asaba, and all parties involved will appear before the CP on Monday. Our heartfelt condolences to the family of the little child.”
State Commandant of the NDLEA, Mr. John Tunde confirmed the incident but insisted that his men did not open fire on the kids.
Tunde said when his men stormed the notorious drug joint to raid and dislodge the place, there was a Toyota Camry parked within the precincts.
He said while the operatives were surrounding the place, the Camry “ran over one of our men while escaping. And in attempts to demobilise the car, our men shot at it.
“What we cannot tell now is whether the children were inside the car at the time of the shooting. Our men did not open fire at any shop.
“As we speak now, our man who the car ran over, is at the Central Hospital in Ogwashi-Uku. Our attempt to stop the car was not successful as he escaped.
“So I can confirm that it happened but it is the true account that I have told you. We can’t be that unprofessional to open fire on a shop. I was at the hospital in the night with the father of the child. We are investigating it.”
