The Nigerian Senate has recommended a ₦200 million compensation for the family of Ivan Onosereba Omhonria, a 2-year-old boy tragically killed by a stray bullet during a National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) raid in Delta State on July 13, 2023.
The Senate made the recommendation on Thursday following the presentation of findings by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen.
According to Hobnob News, the incident occurred at Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area, where NDLEA operatives were conducting a raid on a suspected drug joint. During the operation, a bullet fired by one of the officers struck Ivan in the abdomen and grazed the eye of his younger brother, Eromonsele, while they were at their mother’s shop.
Ivan succumbed to his injuries, while Eromonsele was left in need of urgent medical treatment to save his sight.
In the wake of the tragic incident, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, submitted a petition on behalf of the bereaved family. The matter was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee for further investigation.
Presenting the committee’s report during plenary, Senator Imasuen stated that all parties involved were invited for questioning. The NDLEA, he said, admitted its role in the incident but claimed financial incapacity to fund Eromonsele’s overseas treatment.
The committee therefore recommended that:
- NDLEA should take full financial responsibility for Eromonsele’s eye treatment, preferably abroad, to restore his vision.
- The Federal Government should, through presidential approval, pay the family ₦200 million in compensation for the wrongful death of their child.
While condemning the unfortunate incident, Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the committee’s recommendations to a voice vote, which received overwhelming support from the lawmakers.
The Senate’s resolution is expected to be forwarded to the Presidency for executive action and compensation approval.
The NDLEA has yet to issue an official response following the Senate’s recommendation. Meanwhile, human rights advocates and civil society organizations have called for accountability and immediate support for the affected family.
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