Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Barwa, CEO, NDLEA.
BY Peter Utebor
DELTA: The death of two-year-old Ivan Omorhiakogbe, shot dead by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Okpanam area of Delta, the security agency have finally opened up, describing the incident as not intentional.
Recall that the two-years-old Ivan, was shot dead at his mother shop while his sibling was injured during a raid at suspected drug peddlers hideout in Okpanam on July 13, 2023.
The NDLEA finally spoke when the Assistant Commandant General (Narcotics) and Director of Administration and Establishment, Alhaji Hamisu Lawal, paid a courtesy visit on the State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori at Government House in Asaba.
Alhaji Hamisu Lawal, the Assistant Commandant General (Narcotics) and Director of Administration and Establishment while speaking with the governor noted that the unfortunate incident that took place in Okpanam area of the State was not intentional.
Hamisu, who was accompanied by
the Delta State Commandant of the Agency, Abubakar Wada added that the agency was very grateful to the State Government for its prompt intervention on the issue.
Speaking on the investigations on the issue so far, the Delta State Police Command said the investigation is still ongoing.
DSP Bright Edafe who spoke with our reporter said the matter is already before the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
He explained that after the investigation, the would-be culprit (s) would be charged to court and prosecuted.
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Delta state Governor, Mr Sheriff Oborevwori, condemned the ugly incident noting that the issue of substance abuse and illicit drugs was on the increase in the contemporary Nigerian society.
“Regarding the incident that happened recently in our State, I want to commend the effort of the Agency in the reactive steps that they took by going to the place where the incident occurred.
“They visited the family of the deceased, including the injured one; the team from Abuja also came to ascertain what had happened and to bring the culprit to justice.
“My wife and I visited the bereaved family. I also saw the injured one and commiserated with the family. The State will be paying the hospital bills as well.
“As a State we are not happy with what happened and I am glad that this incident has not stopped the Agency from doing their job.
“Despite what happened, you should continue to do your job of ensuring a drug free State and nation. If incidents like this discourages you, drug traffickers will only be emboldened to continue their illicit business,”he said.
The governor, however, charged the agency to declare a state of emergency on substance abuse and illicit drugs trafficking in the country.
