A chilling video has emerged online, capturing the heartbreaking moment when Mr Fidelis, the father of two-year-old Ivan Onose Omhonrina, wept inconsolably while pursuing officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) after a bullet one of them fired claimed the life of his son. The incident took place in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State on Thursday, July 13, 2023.
The heart-wrenching video showcases the anguish of a father whose pursuit of the officers in his car unfolds amidst tears of grief over the sudden loss of his son. The distressing footage reveals the father’s desperate attempt to seek justice for Ivan. His baby tragically lost his life, while his second son sustained an eye injury during the incident.
Initial reports highlighted that the NDLEA officers had conducted a raid in the area targeting a suspected drug joint. Eyewitnesses claim that during the operation, the officers fired a shot that struck the two brothers, who were present in their mother’s shop at the time.
The shared video shows the officers driving away, leaving the grieving father behind. Mr Fidelis Omorhina had a conversation with activist Marvin Mordi. He clarified that his wife’s shop is located at a considerable distance from where the fatal bullet was fired. Describing the events leading up to the tragedy, he explained that it was their routine for him to drop off his children at their mother’s shop after school. He would then return to pick them up after work, as their home was just five minutes away.
On the day of the incident, Mr Fidelis dropped off his two sons with their mother and left.
However, he received a distressing call from his wife, urging him to return immediately as something terrible had occurred. Rushing to the shop, he received another call instructing him to meet them at the Federal Medical Center.
Upon arrival, he discovered that NDLEA officials had conducted a raid in the area, targeting a drug joint. Approaching the officers, Mr Fidelis informed them that their stray bullet had struck his son. The distraught father took the initiative to record the interaction with his phone camera. He claims to have faced harassment from the anti-drug operatives who brandished their guns and objected to being filmed. Shortly after, the officers boarded their patrol van and swiftly left the scene, prompting Mr Fidelis to pursue them.
Mr Fidelis vehemently denied the NDLEA officials’ claim that his son’s death was the result of an accidental discharge. He also shared that his second son underwent eye surgery and was in the theatre for twelve hours.
In response to the tragic incident, the NDLEA released a statement, acknowledging the shooting and expressing their commitment to conducting a thorough investigation. A panel of officials from the national headquarters has been dispatched to Asaba, Delta state, to gather firsthand information and establish the facts surrounding the case.
As investigations continue, the hope for justice and accountability remains high, as the family grapples with the irreparable loss of their young son, Ivan Omhonrina.
