Senate Demands NDLEA Pay N200 Million Compensation for Slain Delta Toddler
Senate Demands NDLEA Pay N200 Million Compensation for Slain Delta Toddler
The Senate has urged President Bola Tinubu to approve a compensation payment of N200 million to the family of two-year-old Ivan Omhonrina, who was tragically killed by a stray bullet during a failed operation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Delta State.
The call was made on Thursday following the consideration of a petition submitted by Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
The incident, which took place on July 13, 2023, in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area, deeply shocked the nation. Ivan, who was returning home from school with his family, was fatally struck by a stray bullet.
His older brother, Eromosele, was also shot in the eye and left seriously injured.
Lawmakers across party lines expressed outrage, describing the child’s death as both preventable and heartbreaking.
The Senate chamber observed a minute of silence in Ivan’s memory as a mark of respect.
Senator Imasuen, who presented the petition, said the case was not merely an “accidental discharge” but a tragic reflection of deep-rooted lapses in Nigeria’s law enforcement operations.
“This is a painful and unacceptable loss of innocent life. It highlights the urgent need for security agencies to improve professionalism and accountability in their operations,” he told his colleagues during plenary.
The Senate urged the NDLEA to take full responsibility for the incident and called on President Tinubu to authorise the N200m compensation as a humanitarian gesture to the bereaved family.
To ensure the recommendation is implemented, the Senate directed its Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor the matter and report back within two months.
The death of Ivan sparked widespread condemnation from civil society groups, human rights advocates, and community leaders, all demanding justice.
Ivan’s grieving father, during an earlier interview, spoke of his son’s excitement for an upcoming graduation.
“Now, instead of preparing for his graduation, we are making funeral arrangements,” he lamented.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has also called for a thorough investigation into the shooting.
Through his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, the governor urged both the NDLEA and the Nigeria Police to identify those responsible and ensure justice is served.
The NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, confirmed the incident, stating that the agency has been in contact with the victim’s family and has launched an investigation.
President Bola Tinubu, deeply affected by the tragedy, condemned the killing and ordered a full inquiry.
In his condolence message, he said, “I mourn the death of little Ivan Omhonrina and offer my heartfelt sympathies to his family. No child should lose their life in such a senseless way.”
He further assured that those found responsible will be held accountable and emphasized that such incidents will not be tolerated under his administration.
