The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a landlord for shooting a young boy, identified as Paul, who had jumped into his compound to retrieve a football.
The suspect’s identity remains undisclosed as investigations continue.
According to reports obtained by The PUNCH on Wednesday, Paul, a Junior Secondary School 1 student at Urban Secondary School in Owerri, was playing football with his schoolmates on Monday when the ball strayed into a neighbouring compound at Area N, World Bank Housing Estate.
After the ball bounced further into the landlord’s property, Paul attempted to recover it by jumping into the compound. However, the homeowner allegedly shot him in the waist, leaving him in critical condition.
Confirming the arrest, the spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, stated that the suspect was in custody and that an investigation was underway.
“The man has been arrested, and an investigation is ongoing. The victim is currently receiving treatment at the hospital,” Okoye said.
Meanwhile, Paul’s guardian, Jonathan Odikanwa, expressed deep concern for the boy’s health as he prepared for emergency surgery.
While acknowledging the gravity of the incident, he stated that his immediate focus was on Paul’s survival rather than pursuing legal action at this time.
“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,” Odikanwa said.
Providing updates on Paul’s condition, he revealed that an X-ray had shown no bullet lodged in the body, but doctors were concerned about complications affecting his bowel movements.
“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.”
Odikanwa added, “I know he is in pain, but until after the procedure and the success, I don’t want to say anything. Just join us and pray for my son to survive.”
Paul has been living with the Odikanwa family for the past eight years and is currently in his first year of secondary school.
