A tragic incident has thrown the Umuoba-Uratta community in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State into mourning, following the death of a 20-month-old boy who was reportedly struck by a stray bullet while sleeping beside his mother.
The heartbreaking event occurred around 10:00 p.m. on Monday when an unidentified bullet reportedly penetrated the residence of the Eleweke family. The bullet fatally struck the infant, who was said to be lying peacefully on the bed next to his mother, Mrs. Kelechi Eleweke.
In an emotional recount of the incident, Mrs. Eleweke told journalists that she had just felt sand-like particles on her body, moments after a loud sound echoed through the area. It was then that her son let out a piercing cry.
“He started shouting ‘Mummy! Mummy!’ and I noticed blood all over his body and the bed. I didn’t even understand what had happened until I saw the wound,” she said, visibly shaken.
In a frantic bid to save the child, the family rushed him to a nearby private hospital within the community. However, to their utter disbelief, they were allegedly turned away by a medical staff member who insisted that a police report was a prerequisite for treatment.
Mrs. Eleweke claimed that despite her desperate pleas, the health worker only applied a plaster to the child’s head and referred them to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owerri.
Her husband, Mr. Okechukwu Eleweke, confirmed that their son was still breathing when they left the private facility. He managed to secure transportation to FMC Owerri, but the child reportedly passed away shortly before they arrived at the emergency unit.
“The doctor on duty came out and checked him immediately but said there was nothing they could do. He had died on arrival,” Mr. Eleweke said in anguish.
Further revelations emerged the following morning when Mr. Eleweke was informed by neighbours that there had been prolonged gunfire in the area during the night of the tragedy. Though the source of the shooting remains unconfirmed, eyewitnesses say it lasted for over 30 minutes.
“Neighbours said they heard gunshots all through the night. Whatever celebration or activity was going on that led to the firing of those shots has now taken our son from us,” he lamented.
Also speaking on the incident, a former youth leader in the community, Mr. Chika Ibeawuchi, corroborated the reports of sporadic gunshots, though he admitted that he could not identify who was behind them.
“It went on for over 30 minutes. The whole area was unsettled. But I don’t know who was responsible,” he stated.
Police officers from the Owerri North Divisional Headquarters reportedly visited the scene of the incident on Tuesday. It was gathered that the deceased child’s body was taken, along with his father, for further examination in an effort to extract the bullet for forensic analysis and determine its origin.
An official response from the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to his mobile line went unanswered. However, a senior officer at the Owerri North Division, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, confirmed that an investigation had been launched.
As of press time, the grieving Eleweke family and other concerned members of the community are calling for justice, demanding a transparent investigation to uncover the circumstances that led to the death of the innocent child.
“This is a devastating and senseless loss. We’re not just grieving, we are demanding answers and accountability. Our son deserves justice,” Mr. Eleweke added.
The tragic case has once again reignited public concerns about the dangers of indiscriminate gunfire and the persistent issue of hospitals refusing emergency treatment in the absence of police clearance, an action many legal and medical professionals have condemned as unethical and contrary to medical oath and the National Health Act.
As the investigation unfolds, residents of Umuoba-Uratta and beyond await with heavy hearts, hoping that those responsible for the reckless act that cut short a young life will be identified and brought to book.
