Ivan Omhonrina: Tinubu Rebukes NDLEA Over Delta Incident, Orders Punishment For Killer Officers

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of 2-year-old Ivan Omhonrina killed by a stray bullet during an operation by officers of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The President also rebuked the NDLEA and recommended the officers for punishment even though facts emerging from the incident indicate that the officers were on duty to apprehend notorious drug peddlers who attacked them.

President Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman, Dele Alake said, “I mourn the death of little Ivan Omhonrina and sympathise with his parents for the painful experience of losing an innocent child in a most tragic manner.

“Ivan did not deserve to die that way. We must ensure the incident did not end like that and that what happened to Ivan does not happen to any other person again.

“I also pray for the quick recovery of Eronmonsele, who was reportedly injured in that unfortunate event.

“That incident is unacceptable. We must unravel those who foisted agony on the Omhonrinas and ensure they are brought to justice”.

The President directed the NDLEA management to speedily and thoroughly investigate the incident with a view to punishing those found culpable.

The President charged security agents to be more professional and careful when conducting their operations to avoid risking the lives of innocent Nigerians.

This is coming as the House of Representatives also on Tuesday asked the acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to take over the case of NDLEA officers involved in the alleged killing of the toddler.

The resolution was a sequel to a motion moved by Unyime Idem (PDP, Akwa-Ibom) during plenary.

Speaking before putting the motion to vote, the Deputy Speaker, Ben Kalu, who presided over the session, said there is a need for security agencies to adopt body cameras to provide more transparency.

The motion was subsequently taken unanimously when it was put to vote by Mr Kalu.