The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a landlord for shooting a young boy, identified as Paul, who had entered his property to retrieve a football.
The incident occurred on Monday at the Urban Secondary School field in Area N, World Bank Housing Estate, Owerri, when the ball landed in the landlord’s compound during a game. In an attempt to retrieve it, Paul jumped into the premises and was shot in the waist, leaving him in critical condition.
Speaking on the matter, Imo State Police Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye assured that the suspect had been taken into custody and that an investigation was ongoing. Meanwhile, Paul is receiving medical care at a hospital.
Paul’s guardian, Jonathan Odikanwa, expressed deep concern over the boy’s condition, stating that doctors are preparing him for surgery due to complications with his bowel movements. “For now, I just want my boy to survive this critical period,” Odikanwa said. “Please pray for his recovery.”
Paul, a JSS 1 student at Urban Secondary School, has been living with the Odikanwa family for eight years. The community remains hopeful for his recovery as authorities continue their investigation.
