On Saturday night, December 8, in Ozoro community, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, when a policeman allegedly shot and killed 17-year-old Emeka Odogwu over an argument related to the use of fireworks.
The teenager was said to have attempted to escape when one of the policemen opened fire, resulting in his tragic death.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident started when the police confronted Emeka after discovering fireworks in his possession.
The situation escalated, leading to Emeka’s attempted escape, which ultimately ended in his fatal shooting.
The Initiative for Social Rights Concerns and Advancement, a human rights group, has condemned the killing, calling on the Delta State Police Command to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the officer responsible faces justice.
The group’s National Coordinator, Derrick Agberen, expressed condolences to the victim’s family and urged Nigerians and community members to remain calm and civil when interacting with armed officers.
“I sympathize with the family of the young boy who was allegedly shot by a police officer at Ozoro over fireworks found in his possession. It is reported that he resisted arrest and was shot while fleeing. I strongly condemn the officer’s unprofessional conduct,” Agberen stated.
The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the incident, with the spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, revealing that the involved officer has been identified and detained. The State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, has pledged to ensure justice is served, with Edafe adding, “The CP has assured the family of justice”.
