A police officer has been arrested in Delta State for allegedly shooting and killing a 19-year-old auxiliary nurse, Isioma Nwayalani. The tragic incident occurred in Okpanam, a community near Asaba, on Saturday evening.
According to the Delta State Police Command, the officer in question was part of an anti-cult vigilance group. The command confirmed that the suspect had been taken into custody as investigations continued.
The spokesperson for the command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the development to journalists in Asaba.
“Yes, the unfortunate incident is confirmed, and we are investigating to determine the circumstances behind the shooting,” Edafe said.
“When the police are through with their investigations, we will update you with the necessary information,” he added.
How the Shooting Happened
Eyewitnesses said that the suspect and his colleagues had returned from a burial in Agbor and began firing shots into the air. This was said to be a common practice among them after attending such events.
“Usually, whenever they go out for a burial or any celebration and come back, they start shooting to announce their return,” a resident said.
On that fateful evening, Isioma and her colleague, who were outside a patent medicine store where she worked, attempted to flee for safety when the officers started shooting.
Tragically, a bullet hit Isioma in the hand and stomach. She was quickly rushed to the Delta State Specialist Hospital, but she did not survive. She died around 7:30 pm.
Family in Mourning, Calls for Justice
The family of the deceased has been left devastated by her sudden death. Dr. Christopher Nwayalani, a relative of Isioma, expressed his grief and demanded justice.
“Our family is in deep shock over this tragic incident,” he said.
Dr. Nwayalani narrated how Isioma would not have even been at work that day, as she was a Sabbatharian who normally did not work on Saturdays.
“She had only gone to a nearby salon to make her hair, but when she discovered that the hairdresser was not available, she decided to stay with her colleague at the store,” he explained.
He stressed that the family would not allow the case to be ignored, calling for those responsible to be held accountable.
“Her life was cut short by the recklessness of an excited operative, so we will not want her killing to be swept under the carpet,” he added.
Dr. Nwayalani also stated that the family had tried to meet with officials of the anti-cult group, but none of them had agreed to speak with them.
Rights Activists Demand Justice
Several human rights activists have also weighed in on the incident, demanding accountability. Mr. Victor Ojei, a well-known Delta-based activist and leader of the Young Nigeria Rights Organisation, called for immediate justice.
“The late nurse should get justice. There is nothing like accidental discharge. A gun has a safety pin,” he said.
Ojei criticized the actions of the officer, stating that proper firearm safety measures should have been followed.
“You only cock your gun when you are faced with a threat. Otherwise, it should be on safety lock. This is a criminal offence. The actions of the anti-cult member resulting in the death of the nurse can indeed constitute criminal liability,” he added.
He insisted that the term “accidental discharge” should not be used as an excuse, especially in cases where negligence is evident.
A Growing Concern
This incident has once again raised concerns about the reckless use of firearms by security operatives in Nigeria. Cases of civilians being killed by stray bullets have become alarmingly frequent, with many families left grieving without seeing justice served.
In recent years, several such incidents have been reported across the country. In many cases, security operatives fire shots during celebrations, protests, or routine patrols, sometimes resulting in unintended casualties.
Last year, a similar case was reported in Lagos when a young mother was shot dead by a police officer during a routine stop-and-search operation. The officer was later arrested, but the case dragged on in court, leaving the victim’s family frustrated.
Community Reactions
Residents of Okpanam have condemned the shooting, calling for stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
“This is not the first time we are witnessing reckless shooting by security officers in this area,” a local resident said.
“They need to stop this culture of shooting into the air, whether it is after a burial or any other event. This is how innocent lives are lost,” he added.
Another resident urged the authorities to ensure that all officers receive proper training on firearm handling and discipline.
Next Steps
The police command has assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway. SP Edafe emphasized that the case would not be ignored and that the officer involved would face legal consequences if found guilty.
“We will conduct a full investigation, and if the officer is found responsible, appropriate actions will be taken,” he said.
As the investigation continues, Isioma’s family and rights groups are hoping that justice will be served. The public is also watching closely, waiting to see how authorities handle the case.
For now, the tragic death of Isioma Nwayalani serves as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by the careless use of firearms, and the urgent need for reforms within security agencies to prevent such needless loss of life.
