The Imo State Police Command has arrested a landlord for shooting a boy, identified as Paul, who jumped into his compound to retrieve a football. The incident occurred on Monday at the World Bank Housing Estate in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
Paul and his schoolmates were playing football on their school field at Urban Secondary School when the ball bounced into the landlord’s compound. In an attempt to retrieve it, Paul jumped into the property and was shot in the waist by the landlord, leaving him critically injured.
The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, confirmed the arrest, stating that the landlord is in custody and an investigation is ongoing. He added that Paul is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
Paul’s guardian, Jonathan Odikanwa, expressed concern over the boy’s condition, emphasizing that his priority is ensuring Paul’s survival. Odikanwa revealed that an X-ray showed no bullet in Paul’s body, but doctors are puzzled by his inability to have bowel movements. Paul is scheduled for surgery to determine the cause of the issue.
Odikanwa, a businessman, appealed for prayers and refrained from escalating the matter, stating, “I just want my boy to survive this critical period. Join us and pray for my son to survive.”
Paul has lived with the Odikanwa family for eight years and is currently in JSS 1 at Urban Secondary School, Owerri. The incident has sparked concern in the community as Paul fights for his life in the hospital.