The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a yet-to-be-identified landlord for allegedly shooting a boy named Paul, who had entered his compound to retrieve a football during a game. According to reports, the incident took place on Monday at Urban Secondary School, located in Area N, World Bank Housing Estate, Owerri, the Imo State capital. Paul and his schoolmates were playing football when the ball accidentally landed in a neighboring compound.
As the ball bounced further into the landlord’s property, Paul attempted to retrieve it by jumping over the fence. However, the landlord allegedly shot him in the waist, leaving him critically injured and in severe pain.Okoye said, “The man has been arrested, and an investigation is ongoing. The victim is currently receiving treatment at the hospital.”
However, Paul’s guardian, Jonathan Odikanwa, who was seen running helter-skelter for surgery on his son told our correspondent on Wednesday that he was concerned about his child and didn’t want to escalate the issue. The businessman said, “I thank you for coming to interview me. However, I don’t want to escalate the issue for now. I just want my boy to survive this critical period.
“The X-ray showed that there is no bullet in his body but doctors are wondering why his bowel movements are not working. He is scheduled for surgery for them to look into his stomach and see what is going on there. “So for now, what I earnestly want from you and everyone else is to join us to pray for him to survive. He’s been crying for water but the doctors are trying to find out what is causing the problem with the bowel movements.”
When contacted, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, confirmed the suspect’s arrest, stating that investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. A guardian of the injured boy expressed deep concern, saying, “I know he is in pain, but until after the procedure and its success, I don’t want to comment further. Please join us in praying for his recovery.” Paul has been living with the Odikanwa family for the past eight years and is currently a JSS 1 student at Urban Secondary School, Owerri.
