The Imo State Police Command has reported the arrest of a landlord following a shocking incident in which a young boy, identified as Paul, was shot while attempting to retrieve a football that had entered the landlord’s property. The incident occurred on Monday during a game of football at the Urban Secondary School field in Area N, World Bank Housing Estate, Owerri, the capital of Imo State.
According to local sources, Paul and his schoolmates were playing when the ball bounced into the landlord’s yard. In a bid to recover the ball, Paul jumped over the fence but was unexpectedly shot around the waist, leaving him critically injured and in severe pain.
Police Public Relations Officer for the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, confirmed the landlord’s arrest, 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 deep concern for his son’s health while speaking to reporters. He emphasized that his primary focus at this time is not on escalating the legal issue but on ensuring Paul’s recovery. “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.
He further shared that medical examinations revealed no bullet in Paul’s body, but doctors are puzzled by his inability to have normal bowel movements. Paul is scheduled for surgery to investigate the cause of these complications. “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.
Paul, who has been living with the Odikanwa family for about eight years and is currently in JSS 1, has become an integral part of their household. As he faces this challenging health crisis, his guardian has called for prayers and support from the community.
