Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, the representative of Delta North senatorial district, has responded to the heart-rending incident that claimed the life of a two-year-old pre-Nursery child named Onose.
On Thursday in Asaba, Delta State, Onose tragically lost his life due to a stray bullet fired by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The innocent child was returning from school with his parents when he fell victim to this unfortunate incident, which occurred during the agency’s pursuit of suspected drug dealers.
In a statement released by his media office in Abuja, Senator Nwoko strongly condemned the unprofessional conduct of the NDLEA. He emphasized the urgent need for decisive actions to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The statement read in parts:
“Words cannot adequately express the pain and grief that the family of Onose is experiencing right now, nor can they describe the profound loss our community is feeling.
“The loss of such a young and innocent life is a tragedy that touches us all, and we stand together in solidarity with the bereaved family during this difficult time.
“We cannot allow such heart-wrenching incidents to happen in our district or anywhere else in our country. To prevent similar tragedies, we must take decisive actions. I propose the following measures:
“Training and Sensitization: Law enforcement agencies, including the NDLEA, should receive regular training on the importance of human rights, community engagement, and the protection of innocent civilians during their operations.
“Technology and Non-lethal Methods: There is a need to invest in advanced technology and non-lethal methods to apprehend suspects involved in criminal activities. This will minimize the risk of harm to innocent bystanders during operations.
“Oversight and Accountability: We need to strengthen oversight mechanisms to ensure that law enforcement agencies adhere to established protocols and standards. This will help hold accountable any personnel who engage in excessive use of force or negligence.
“I will passionately advocate for the implementation of these measures both at the legislative level and through direct engagement with concerned authorities. Our community deserves to feel safe and secure, and no parent should fear for their child’s life when going about their daily routines.
“Once again, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of little Onose. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory inspire us to work tirelessly for a safer and more compassionate society.”
