By Nafisat Makinde
The Nigerian Senate has ordered the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to pay ₦200 million in compensation to the family of two-year-old Ivan Omhonria, killed by a stray bullet during an agency operation in Asaba, Delta State, on July 13, 2023.
Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conducts, and Public Petitions, presented the report, stating: “We recommended that, given the grievances of the incident to the family, NDLEA should pay the sum of ₦200 million to the family of Fidelis Omhonria as compensation for the death of his two-year-old son and his younger brother who was shot in the eye that may result in him going blind.”
Senators Involved:
- Senator Neda Imasuen: Presented the report and recommended compensation
- Senator Benson Agada: Supported the payment of compensation and prosecution of the responsible officer
- Senator Garuba Maidoki: Condemned the unjust and unlawful killing of Nigerians by security agencies
The Senate observed a minute’s silence for the child and urged the NDLEA to cover all medical expenses for Ivan’s younger brother, Eromonsele, who suffered a serious eye injury. Senate President Godswill Akpabio noted that the NDLEA official responsible for the shooting was facing prosecution.
The Senate also mandated its Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor the implementation of the resolutions and report back within two months.
