Tragedy struck at Ozoro, headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State as a yet-to-be-named trigger-happy police officer shot dead a youth alleged to be a 100-level student of the Delta State University of Science and Technology.
According to Vanguard, the victim, identified as Emeka Odogwu, 17, was shot in his head by a trigger-happy police officer on December 6th, 2024, over an incident involving shooting fireworks.
In the melee of argument, the police corked his rifle and fired at close range the youth on his head, killing him instantly.
A police source in Ozoro said the Area Commander Ozoro, ACP Zakari Mohammed, on hearing the sad news, was furious and ordered the arrest and detention of the erring police officer.
The police source, however, debunked that the victim was a student. “The boy is from Ndokwa but he is not a student of the school. The parents have come to give statements.”
Delta State Police Command Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Bright Edafe, who confirmed the incident, said, “Confirmed, and the policeman has been identified and detained.”
Another police source told Vanguard on the phone that the trigger-happy police officer will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for appropriate action.
The ugly incident was said to heightened tension in the University town with many complaining about the unprofessional attitude of many junior police officers.
A. human rights activist, Victor Ojie decry the incessant killing of civilians in Delta State. According to him, “Earlier, on November 1st, Delta Hawk shot a Nollywood cameraman by the name Don Oneopara, causing severe injuries, yet no medical bills were paid.
“Weeks ago, a young Asaba man died from a head injury the police claimed was caused by running into a wall which we all know is arguable. We can bet that by next week, another youth will be killed.” He said.
At press time, it was unclear if the policeman had been taken to the SCID.
