By Austin Ogwuda
MEMBER Representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Ngozi Okolie has commiserated with the family of a two month old toddler killed during a raid by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) few days ago.
The Federal lawmaker in a press statement personally signed by him however called on sympathisers to respect the family privacy by not attracting too much publicity in the process.
The statement reads:
“I, on behalf of myself, family and the entire good people of the Constituency express heart-felt condolences to the family of Ivan Omorhiakogbe, a two-year-old boy killed during an operation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Delta Command.
“I am very saddened that the unfortunate and tragic incident took place within my Constituency. Very painful too, is the fact the victim was a toddler, just two years old was caught down at such a prime age.
“I commend the Delta State governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for promptly issuing a Press Statement condemning the killing and calling for a thorough investigation.
“Let us however remember that mourning should be carried out with reverence and solemnity that it deserves especially in African culture and tradition, not to talk of the death of a toddler.
“Remember that the family of Fidelis Omorhiakogbe is in deep pain especially the mother who bore him in the womb for nine months. She and the husband did not only lose their son, Ivan, but had his younger sibling, Eromonsele hospitalized.
“Yes, let us sympathize with bereaved people and empathize”, the statement went on, “but we can do that quietly with some comforting assistance, without too much publicity attached, so that the family’s privacy is respected.
“This is the line I am towing.
“Once again, I join others to condemn the unwarranted killing of the toddler and counsel that sympathisers are free to visit the bereaved family quietly please, please and please”, the statement added.