In Tuesday’s resolution, The House of Representatives nudged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to take charge of the investigation and legal proceedings concerning the officer(s) implicated in the shooting and fatal incident involving Ivan Onose Obhonria, demanding justice for the victim.
Furthermore, the House called for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other law enforcement agencies to provide regular training and sensitisation initiatives for their officers, with a specific focus on responsible firearm usage, conflict resolution, de-escalation methods, and the promotion of human rights.
The House further instructed its Committee on Human Rights and National Security and Intelligence (when formed) to ensure that Onose’s family is appropriately compensated for their loss and to provide a comprehensive report within six weeks.
The House further empowered its Committee on National Security and Intelligence (during inception) to diligently monitor the conduct of law enforcement agencies, carrying out regular assessments, scrutinising incidents, and recommending suitable measures to prevent similar events.
A comprehensive report is expected within four weeks for further legislative action.
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The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled ‘Call for investigation and prosecution of the Officers involved in Shooting and Killing of Ivan Onose Omhonrina moved by Hon. Unyime Idem.’
Idam, in his motion, detailed the heartrending incident of July 13, 2023, when a two-year-old child named Ivan Onose Omhonrina lost his life in a tragic occurrence while returning home from school, struck by a stray bullet discharged by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Asaba, Delta State. Additionally, Ivan’s younger brother, Eromosele Omhonrina, was injured as he sustained a gunshot wound to one of his eyes.
Idam further elucidated that on April 4, 2023, a 17-year-old boy named Ibuchim Ofezie, residing in Agingi Community of Bassa Local Government Area of Jos, lost his life due to the actions of certain police patrol operatives assigned to the ‘C’ Division of the Command. Similarly, on May 28, 2023, Bakare Idris Demola was fatally shot by Mr. Kabiru Odejimi, an officer of the Nigerian Police Force in Oregun, Ikeja area, Lagos State.
The worried lawmaker drew attention to the alarming situation where innocent Nigerians have been impacted by injuries or fatalities resulting from stray bullets fired by law enforcement officers in the country.
The lawmaker issued a cautionary statement, stressing the urgency of finding lasting solutions to prevent the recurring incidents of innocent Nigerians being killed by stray bullets.
He emphasised that without prompt action, more citizens might suffer injuries, and fatalities could ensue.
Expanding on his point, Idam emphasized that the repeated loss of innocent lives to stray bullets poses significant dangers and repercussions for individuals, communities, and the entire nation.
He stressed the critical need for swift and decisive action to tackle this problem, restore public trust, uphold human rights, and ensure the safety and well-being of every Nigerian.
In response to the tragic loss of innocent lives, including Ivan Onose Omhonrina, the House solemnly observed a minute of silence to honour their memories and pay respects to all the victims who have tragically lost their lives in such incidents.
In a sombre show of solidarity, the House paused to observe a minute of silence in honour of Ivan Onose Omhonrina and the other victims who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident, expressing their condolences to the bereaved families.