Father of Teenager Allegedly Shot by Landlord Mourns Son’s Tragic Death

Jonathan Odikanwa, the father of 19-year-old Paul, who was allegedly shot while attempting to retrieve a ball from a landlord’s compound, has expressed deep grief over the loss of his son.

Speaking about the tragic incident, Odikanwa recounted that on Monday afternoon, around 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., some teachers and students from Urban Development Secondary School came to his house to inform him that his son had been involved in a serious incident. Initially hesitant, they eventually disclosed that Paul had been shot while trying to retrieve a football that had landed in a neighbor’s compound.

According to witnesses, Paul climbed the fence with the help of his playmates when a gunshot rang out, causing him to fall. The students rushed to his side and discovered he had sustained a bullet wound, with blood covering his body. They quickly took him to the hospital, and the school authorities reported the incident to the police.

Odikanwa revealed that at the police station, the landlord, who was accused of firing the shot, denied responsibility. The suspect claimed he only tried to scare the boy by making a noise with a polythene bag and that Paul’s injury was caused by a stick on the ground when he fell. However, eyewitness accounts and the nature of the wound contradicted this claim.

The grieving father detailed the medical efforts to save his son, including multiple X-rays, scans, and surgery to address internal injuries. Despite these interventions, Paul succumbed to his injuries. He noted that the police and state authorities, including the Imo State Commissioner for Health, have taken an interest in the case, and an autopsy is expected to be conducted.

When asked about the suspect’s status, Odikanwa stated that the matter had been transferred to the Homicide Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department. Meanwhile, he acknowledged that the landlord’s sister had been assisting with medical expenses.

Describing Paul as an intelligent, respectful boy who loved football, Odikanwa expressed deep sorrow over his untimely death. He struggled to articulate his desire for justice, simply stating that the landlord’s actions were inhumane. Despite his grief, he commended the Nigeria Police for their swift response and continued involvement in the case.