A tragic incident has occurred in Imo State, where a young boy lost his life after being shot by a landlord while attempting to retrieve his football from a compound.
The deceased boy, identified as Paul, reportedly passed away at the Specialist Hospital, Umuguma, Owerri, less than 24 hours after undergoing surgery for a gunshot wound.
Paul’s guardian, Mr. Jonathan Odikanwa, a septuagenarian, recounted the heartbreaking event in an interview with Punch, revealing that the young boy died on March 20, 2024.
According to multiple reports, the 16-year-old student of Urban Secondary School in the Area N, World Bank Housing area of Owerri, had been playing football with his friends when the ball accidentally landed in the compound of an unidentified landlord.
In an attempt to retrieve the ball, Paul reportedly jumped into the compound. However, the landlord, who was allegedly infuriated by the act, shot the boy in the waist, causing severe injuries.
Paul was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he underwent surgery. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.
His grieving guardian, Mr. Odikanwa, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating, “He has passed away. My son has passed away. The doctors just said they lost him. Even after the surgery yesterday (Wednesday), we had been hopeful that he would come around. My boy, who had lived with me for over seven years, has passed on.”
Meanwhile, the police have confirmed the incident and announced the arrest of the landlord responsible for the shooting.