By Austin Ogwuda
….to fly toddler’s younger sibling who sustained a critical eye injury abroad for full medical treatment
Reprieve might have, at last, come to the family of two-year old toddler, Ivan Omhonria killed by stray bullet in Delta State two years ago as the Nigerian Senate has called on President Bola Tinubu to, on compassionate grounds, assist the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in paying ₦200 million compensation to the family.
They also ruled that Eromonsele, the toddler’s younger sibling who sustained a critical eye injury in the incident should continue to receive full medical care funded by the NDLEA, including treatment at a reputable hospital abroad.
The resolutions followed the consideration of the report by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, presented by its Chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen (APC, Edo South) during plenary on Thursday.
Senator Imasuen reported that although the NDLEA had paid ₦25 million in initial compensation and remained in contact with the family, but noted that the Agency lacks the financial strength to fund Eromonsele’s advanced medical treatment abroad or further support the grieving family.
A minute silence in honour of late Ivan was observed by the Senators, a sad event they described “as a heartbreaking tragedy that demands national reflection and institutional accountability”.
The Senate also in the resolution charged the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to ensure the ongoing prosecution of the NDLEA officer responsible for firing the fatal shot is carried to a logical conclusion.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) decried the loss, stating, “No amount of money can compensate for the life of a child. Uniform should never be a license to kill innocent people.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio extended the chamber’s deepest sympathies, saying, “Our hearts go out to the family of the deceased child and the injured sibling. This is a tragic reminder of the need for accountability in law enforcement operations.”
The Senate also mandated its Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor the implementation of the resolutions and report back within six weeks.
The call for presidential intervention comes amid growing demands for stronger oversight of law enforcement operations and enhanced compensation frameworks for victims of state action.
The incident, which drew widespread condemnation and public outrage, occurred on July 13, 2023, when NDLEA officers reportedly opened fire during a drug raid at Okpanam.
Source: VANGUARD
