ABUJA/Nigeria: The Nigerian Senate has directed the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to pay N200 million in compensation to the family of two-year-old Ivan Onose Omhonrina, who was fatally struck by a stray bullet allegedly fired by NDLEA operatives during a drug raid in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
This resolution followed a petition brought before the upper chamber by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, who has led the call for justice since the tragic incident occurred on July 13, 2023.
The child was killed during an operation at a suspected drug hotspot when bullets fired by NDLEA officers pierced a nearby shop owned by the children’s mother. Ivan was hit in the abdomen while his younger brother, Eromonsele, sustained a severe eye injury. Both boys were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre for urgent surgery, but only one survived.
Senator Nwoko formally presented the family’s petition to the Senate, which was subsequently referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen. After a detailed investigation and deliberation, the committee submitted its findings to the full Senate.
At plenary on Thursday, the Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased and unanimously adopted the committee’s recommendation that the NDLEA compensate the grieving family with N200 million for their loss and the trauma endured.
