The President, Bola Tinubu, in a show of empathy, voiced his unhappiness over the tragic event that led to the demise of Ivan Omhonrina, the 2-year-old victim of a stray bullet in Delta State.
A statement issued by the presidential spokesman, Dele Alake quoted Tinubu as saying, ‘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,’ President Tinubu said.
Read also: Ivan’s Death: Reps Call For NDLEA Officers’ Prosecution
The President’s directive sends a clear message of zero tolerance for misconduct, as he calls on the NDLEA management to prioritize a thorough investigation, ensuring justice is served for the innocent life lost in the incident.
In his call for accountability, the President charged security agents to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and care in their operations, taking measures to protect the lives of innocent citizens at all times.
In prior reports, it was revealed that 2-year-old Ivan Onose Omhonrina lost his life and his younger brother, Eromonsele, was injured during an NDLEA operation targeting a notorious drug joint in Delta State.
An eyewitness account has it that the children were caught in the crossfire when NDLEA operatives raided a drug joint in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area, leading to the tragic incident on Thursday, July 13, 2023.
As per the eyewitness testimony, the victims were inside their mother’s shop after school hours when stray bullets hit them.
The bystander described how a stray bullet barely grazed Eromonsele’s eye, and unfortunately, Ivan was struck in the abdomen, resulting in a sad outcome.