Senate to FG: Pay N200m compensation to family of toddler killed by NDLEA

• The toddler, Ivan Onosereba Omhonria, was shot dead by the anti-narcotic agency on July 13, 2023, while raiding an alleged notorious drug joint in Delta State

The Nigerian Senate has asked the federal government to pay N200 million in compensation to the family of a 2-year-old toddler shot dead in Delta State by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

The toddler, Ivan Onosereba Omhonria, was shot dead by the anti-narcotic agency on July 13, 2023, while raiding an alleged notorious drug joint in Delta State.

The deceased, alongside his younger brother, Eronmosele, was hit by a stray a bullet, at their mother’s shop at Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area.

The bullet shot by one of the operatives hit Onose’s abdomen and brushed Eromonsele’s eye, leading to Ivan’s death.

Following the incident, the senator representing Delta North, Ned Nwoko in July 2023 submitted a petition on behalf of the bereaved family.

The petition was later transmitted to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for investigation headed by senator Neda Imasuen.

During the presentation of the committee’s findings at plenary on Thursday, Senator Neda Imasuen disclosed that all parties involved have been invited for questioning, noting that the NDLEA claimed to lack the financial resources to sponsor Eromonsele’s eye treatment abroad.

Senator Neda Imasuen, however, recommended that the NDLEA should take full financial responsibility for Eromonsele’s medical treatment, preferably abroad, to restore his sight, while the federal government, through presidential approval, should compensate the family with N200 million.

While condemning the incident, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, put the recommendations to a voice vote, which received overwhelming support from the lawmakers