By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
A police officer in Delta State has been arrested and detained for allegedly shooting and killing a 17-year-old boy, Emeka Odogwu, in the Ozoro community of Isoko North Local Government Area.
The tragic incident reportedly took place on Saturday night when police officers confronted the teenager after discovering fireworks, commonly called knockouts, in his possession. According to sources, the teenager resisted arrest and attempted to flee, prompting one of the officers to open fire, which resulted in his death.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, stated, “The policeman has been identified and detained.” He added that the state Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, is actively overseeing the case to ensure justice is served.
A human rights organization, Initiative for Social Rights Concerns and Advancement (also known as “No Justice, No Peace”), has strongly condemned the killing.
In a statement, the group’s National Coordinator, Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, said, “I sympathise with the family of the young boy who was allegedly shot by a police officer at Ozoro last night, arising from knockouts (fireworks) that were found in his possession. It was alleged that the young man resisted arrest, and while he was running, he was shot by one of the police officers. I condemn in strong terms, the unprofessional conduct of the police operative alleged to have perpetuated the act.”
Agberen also called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the erring officer is brought to justice. He urged the community to remain calm and act civilly in their dealings with law enforcement.
