Jonathan Odikanwa, the father of 19-year-old Paul who was allegedly shot while trying to retrieve his playmates’ ball from a landlord’s compound, shares his grief with CHUKWUDI AKASIKE
How old was your late son?
He was 19 years old and was in JSS 1. He didn’t start school early.
Can you explain the circumstances that led to the shooting of your son?
The incident happened on Monday. I was at home between 1.30pm and 2pm when some people came to my house and introduced themselves as teachers and students of Urban Development Secondary School.
They told me that my son had a problem. When I asked them what kind of problem it was, they were hesitant about what they wanted to say. But I insisted that they tell me exactly what happened.
What did they say?
They said that my son and other students were playing football when their ball went into a neighbour’s compound. My son climbed the fence with the help of other students to retrieve the ball.
In the process, they heard a gunshot, and my son fell from the fence. The other students rushed to where he had fallen. It was then that they noticed he had a bullet wound, and there was blood all over his body. They immediately rushed him to the hospital, and the matter was reported to the school management.
What was your reaction when you heard about the incident?
I went to the hospital, where I met some of the teachers and other staff members of the school. After that, we went to the police station. It was at the police station that I met the man in question.
What did he say?
The police organised a meeting between me and the man. The purpose of the meeting was for him to narrate exactly what happened. He tried to deny it, but it was clear that he shot the boy because the students who were there also gave statements at the police station, confirming that he shot the gun.
Moreover, after shooting the boy, he fired more gunshots sporadically into the air, which indicated that it was deliberate. That was what I was told.
Are you saying the man denied shooting your son?
Yes, the man denied shooting my son. He claimed that he only frightened him and used a polythene bag to make a noise that sounded like a gunshot before my son fell from the fence.
The man also said that while my son fell, a stick on the ground caused an injury to him. But that was a lie because the position of the wound on my son’s buttocks showed that something had pierced through from one side to the other.
What did you tell him during the meeting?
I told him that he should pray for my son to recover. That was my only concern – that my son would get better.
Do you think your son would have survived if he had been rushed to the hospital sooner?
The school authorities were marvelous. Since the school was in session, they immediately took him and rushed him to the hospital. I learned that one of the teachers called her husband, and he rushed down to intervene.
At what point were the police informed about the incident?
The police were alerted, and even before my son arrived at the hospital, policemen were already there. They tried to handle the situation.
Did the doctor tell you about the injuries on your son’s body?
The hospital requested an X-ray, which I paid for. They also conducted a scan, and the report was handed over to the police. But my son continued to feel pain, so the hospital requested another X-ray to check if there were any other injuries.
After that, they were not satisfied with the results and asked me to take him to another laboratory for further examination. They conducted a scan and a chest X-ray, and we returned the results to the hospital.
They said they would check his abdomen to see if he had sustained any internal injuries when he fell. On Wednesday, they took him into surgery, and they said he had a cut in his intestine.
Do you suspect that a bullet may have caused that injury?
I am not a medical expert, but given the height of the wall, if someone falls from it, it could damage their spinal cord, bones, or any part of the body. The impact could cause internal injuries. Also, my son lost a lot of blood.
Is there any plan for an autopsy to be carried out on the deceased?
It is now a police matter, and the government is involved. The school authorities and the State Education Management Board are handling it, and even the Imo State Commissioner for Health has contacted me. They assured me that they are looking into my son’s case, and after he was pronounced dead, I informed the Commissioner for Health about the development. I believe that since it is a police matter, an autopsy will be carried out.
What about the landlord, has he been released or is he still in police custody?
I understand that the matter was transferred from the police station to the Homicide Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department, on the order of the state Commissioner for Education or a higher authority. I can’t say for certain, as I am not involved in those details.
How would you describe Paul?
He was a very good boy when he was alive. He was intelligent, respectful, and loved football. Even at his young age, he had football boots and was passionate about the game.
What is the name of the school he attended?
He attended Urban Development Secondary School at World Bank, Owerri, Imo State.
What were his plans for the future before he died?
His plan was to continue his education and possibly learn a trade. After completing his West African Senior School Certificate Examination, he had an interest in learning a trade, either after his basic education or further studies.
What about his mother, why is she not involved in all this?
His mother is deceased.
Has the family of the landlord who allegedly caused your son’s death visited to commiserate with you?
Yes, to be honest, the man’s sister has been contributing to my son’s medical expenses. She hasn’t taken over the costs, but she has been assisting. She has shown a lot of concern.
How would you describe the action of the landlord?
I don’t know how to describe it, but it was an animalistic act. I can’t imagine anyone, especially someone who is about 65 years old, acting in such a way. I feel pain that my son was shot just for going to retrieve a ball from a man’s compound.
Do you want the matter to be taken to court?
At this stage, I don’t have an answer to that.
But you want justice. How do you want it served?
That is… (sobs).
Where are you from?
I am from Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.
How old are you?
I am over 70 years old.
What is your message to the police in handling the matter?
Honestly, I commend the Nigeria Police for their swift action. They have been coming to the scene of the incident and visiting me at home. They tried their best to ensure my son survived. I am not familiar with police procedures, but from how they have handled this issue, I believe they are doing well and deserve praise.
