Warri – Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has paid a condolence visit to the family of two-year-old Ivan Omorhiakogbe, who was killed by a stray bullet as operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) carried out an operation in Okpanam last Thursday.
Oborevwori who visited the family at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, where the younger sibling, Eromonsele, a one-year-old, is receiving treatment for bullet injuries sustained in his left eye, expressed condolences with the family.
The governor assured the bereaved family that the police were looking into the matter and that appropriate action would be taken, depending on thhe outcome of the investigation.
The Governor had in a statement, urged both the police and the NDLEA to ensure that justice was served.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to you and your family over the loss of your son, Ivan,” the governor said.
He added: “We have great confidence in the police and as you know, they are conducting their investigation. They will not make the outcome public until they have completed their investigations. So be rest assured that the culprits will be held accountable.
“Once again, I commiserate with your family for this loss, and I am happy that Eromonsele is recovering,” he said.
He commended the medical personnel at the hospital for their proactive treatment of the younger sibling, assuring that the State Government would cover all the medical expenses.
“Let me also express appreciation to the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba for the proactive action they have taken so far since the incident occurred.
“I had sent people here earlier to find out what they are doing and I am pleased that they were able to save Eromonsele’s life, and I believe he will recover fully.
“The State Government will cover the costs of the hospital treatment, so the family should not worry about expenses,” Oborevwori directed.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass, assured the Governor and the family of the Command’s commitment to ensuring a thorough investigation into the matter.
“Your Excellency, we will do our best to unravel the mystery behind the whole incident. We have contacted the NDLEA, and they have responded. In due course, we will release a report to the public.
“Once again, we sympathise with you and we pray that God Almighty will grant you the strength to bear this irreparable loss. For Eromonsele, we pray that God will lay His healing hands upon him for a full recovery,” CP Abass said.
In a briefing to the Governor earlier, the Head of the Ophthalmology Department at the hospital, Dr Ernest Ogbedo, stated that they have successfully covered the eye to prevent infections. He added that further surgeries would be conducted.
“We have performed one surgery, but the child will require additional surgeries because there is an eye injury that the doctors have addressed and covered.
“We conducted an X-ray, and fortunately, there were no bullet fragments present. However, we will conduct further investigations to assess the extent of the injury,” he concluded.
Recall that the Ivan was last Thursday hit by a stray bullet allegedly fired by officials of the NDLEA while chasing suspected drug peddlers.
