Tragedy struck in Ozoro, the headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area in Delta State, when a police officer shot and killed a 17-year-old youth, Emeka Odogwu, in a shocking incident on December 6, 2024. The victim was alleged to have been involved in an argument with the officer over the use of fireworks, which escalated into a fatal encounter. According to eyewitnesses, the officer fired his weapon at close range, hitting the young man in the head and killing him instantly.

Police Reaction and Immediate Actions

The Area Commander of Ozoro, ACP Zakari Mohammed, upon hearing about the incident, expressed outrage and ordered the immediate arrest and detention of the officer responsible. A police source in Ozoro, however, stated that the victim was not a student of the Delta State University of Science and Technology, as initially reported, but hailed from Ndokwa. The victim’s parents have since provided statements to the authorities.

The Delta State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident, saying, “The case has been confirmed, and the policeman has been identified and detained.” Another source indicated that the erring officer would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and appropriate action.

Community Tensions and Reactions

The killing has heightened tension in the university town, with residents voicing concerns about the unprofessional conduct of some junior police officers. Many locals have criticized the excessive use of force and called for greater accountability within the police force.

Human rights activist Victor Ojie condemned the incident, pointing to a pattern of police brutality in Delta State. He noted several recent cases of violence involving law enforcement:

• On November 1, Delta Hawk officers shot a Nollywood cameraman, Don Oneopara, leaving him with severe injuries. Despite this, no medical bills were reportedly paid.
• Weeks ago, a young man from Asaba died from a head injury that police attributed to “running into a wall,” a claim Ojie described as questionable.
• Ojie expressed fears that similar incidents might recur, stating, “We can bet that by next week, another youth will be killed.”

Calls for Justice and Accountability

The incident has sparked widespread calls for justice and heightened scrutiny of police operations in Delta State. Activists and community leaders are urging law enforcement agencies to ensure thorough investigations and hold the offending officer accountable. They are also demanding reforms to prevent further cases of police misconduct.

As of the time of this report, it was unclear whether the officer involved in the shooting had been transferred to the SCID for further proceedings. The public awaits updates on the progress of the investigation and actions taken to address the incident.

Conclusion

The tragic death of Emeka Odogwu highlights the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s law enforcement system to curb incidents of excessive force and protect civilian lives. Stakeholders continue to advocate for accountability and professional conduct within the police force to restore public trust and ensure justice for victims of police brutality.