The Nigerian Senate has called on the federal government to pay N200 million as compensation to the family of two-year-old Ivan Onosereba Omhonria, who was killed by a stray bullet during a National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operation in Delta State.
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The incident occurred on July 13, 2023, at the family’s shop in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area. Ivan died on the spot, while his younger brother, Eronmosele, sustained an injury after a bullet grazed his eye.
Presenting the committee’s findings during Thursday’s plenary, Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, said all parties involved were invited for questioning. He noted that during the hearing, the NDLEA claimed it lacked the financial capacity to sponsor Eronmosele’s eye treatment abroad.
Despite this, the Senate urged the NDLEA to take full responsibility for the boy’s medical treatment, preferably overseas, to help restore his sight. The Senate also resolved that the federal government should pay the N200 million compensation to the grieving family.
The recommendations were overwhelmingly supported by lawmakers through a voice vote led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
