The Nigerian Senate has recommended a N200 million compensation for the family of Ivan Onosereba Omhonria, a two-year-old boy tragically killed by a stray bullet allegedly fired by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during a raid in Delta State.
DAILY POST recalls that the incident occurred on July 13, 2023, at a shop in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area, where the toddler was with his mother and younger brother, Eromonsele. During the NDLEA operation targeting a suspected drug joint in the area, a stray bullet struck Ivan in the abdomen, killing him instantly, while also grazing Eromonsele’s eye.
In response to the incident, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, submitted a petition on behalf of the bereaved family in July 2023. The petition was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen.
Presenting the committee’s findings during Thursday’s plenary session, Senator Imasuen revealed that all relevant parties were invited for questioning. He noted that while the NDLEA claimed it lacks the financial capacity to fund Eromonsele’s recommended medical treatment abroad, the agency should nonetheless take full financial responsibility for restoring the boy’s sight.
The committee further recommended that the federal government, through presidential intervention, provide a compensation package of N200 million to the family.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, condemning the tragedy, subjected the recommendation to a voice vote, which was unanimously supported by the lawmakers.
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