Oborevwori Condoles Family of Two-year-old Killed by NDLEA Officials in Delta

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

The Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has condoled with the family of Ivan Omorhiakogbe, a two-year-old boy reportedly killed by a stray bullet during an operation by officials of Delta State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), at Okpanam area, adjoining Asaba, the state capital.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Festus Ahon, the governor described the tragic incident as regrettable and avoidable had the officers followed professional rules of engagement during the operation.

However, he called on the NDLEA authorities and the Delta State Police Command to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the boy and injury to his brother, also a toddler, with a view to bringing the culprits to book and avoiding a future occurrence.

Oborevwori said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I commiserate with the family of Fidelis Omorhiakogbe on the tragic death of their two-year-old son, Ivan, and injury to his younger sibling, Eromonsele.

“This incident is tragic, painful, and grievous because of the loss of a child and injury to his younger sibling. 

“I condemn this unfortunate incident because no matter the provocation, armed security men must operate within the ambits of standard procedure as enshrined in their rules of engagement.

“Any action taken outside international best practices could be catastrophic as in this case.

“I. therefore, call on the NDLEA and police authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident and bring all the culprits to book.”