TRIGGER-HAPPY POLICE OFFICER KILLS TEENAGE BOY OVER FIREWORKS IN DELTA

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A trigger-happy policeman has reportedly gunned down a 17-year-old boy, Emeka Odogwu, in Ozoro community, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The gory incident was said to have occurred on Saturday night when policemen stormed the area after having found knockouts (fireworks) in the victim’s possession.

Reports gathered that efforts by the security operatives to arrest the boy were resisted and while he attempted to escape, one of the policemen reportedly opened fire and killed him.

In a swift reaction, a human rights group, Initiative For Social Rights Concerns And Advancement has strongly condemned the victim’s murder.

The initiative’s National Coordinator, Derrick Agberen, in a statement, urged the Delta State Police Command to “carry out a thorough investigation on the matter and bring the erring officer to justice.”

While condoling with the deceased’s family, Agberen also appealed to Nigerians and indigenes of the community to “be civil in their approach at all times, especially when dealing with armed police officers.”

He 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 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.”

When contacted, the command’s Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe confirmed the incident, noting that “the policeman has been identified and detained.”

The PPRO also said that the State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda had waded into the matter.

“The CP has assured the family of justice,” Edafe affirmed.