The Imo State Police Command has arrested a landlord for allegedly shooting a JSS 1 Urban Secondary School student, identified as Paul, in Owerri, Imo State.
The incident occurred when Paul, along with his classmates, was playing football on Monday at the Urban Secondary School field in Area N, World Bank Housing Estate. During the game, the ball flew into a neighboring property. As Paul attempted to retrieve the ball, he jumped into the landlord’s yard and was shot in the waist, leaving him critically injured.
Police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed the landlord’s arrest on Wednesday, March 19, stating, “The man has been arrested, and an investigation is ongoing. The victim is currently receiving treatment at the hospital.”
Paul’s guardian, Jonathan Odikanwa, expressed his concern for the student’s condition, emphasizing that his focus was on Paul’s recovery rather than escalating the situation. “I thank you for interviewing me, but I don’t want to escalate the issue right now. I just want my boy to survive this critical period,” Odikanwa explained. He shared that an X-ray revealed no bullet in Paul’s body, but doctors were concerned about his bowel movements not functioning properly. Paul is scheduled for surgery to investigate the issue.
“I know he is in pain, but until after the surgery and the procedure is successful, I don’t want to comment further. Please join us in praying for my son’s survival,” Odikanwa added.