Asaba: Senate Moves On Ned Nwoko’s Petition, Endorses N200M Compensation For Family Of Child Killed During NDLEA Operation

The Nigerian Senate has recommended the payment of N200 million compensation to the family of Ivan Onose Omhonrina, the two-year-old boy tragically killed by a stray bullet allegedly fired by an operative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during a raid on a drug joint in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The resolution followed a petition presented by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, the lawmaker representing Delta North Senatorial District, who has consistently championed justice for the family since the tragic incident occurred on July 13, 2023.

The incident, which sparked widespread outrage and grief across Delta and beyond, occurred when NDLEA officers stormed a suspected drug hotspot. In the course of the operation, bullets pierced through a nearby shop belonging to the mother of the children, striking Ivan in the abdomen and injuring his younger brother, Eromonsele, in the eye. Both were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) for emergency surgery, but sadly, Ivan could not be saved.

Bringing the matter formally to the attention of the Senate, Senator Ned Nwoko, presented a petition on behalf of the bereaved family, and followed it up through all legislative channels until it was taken up by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen.

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Following the committee’s investigation and deliberations, the report was submitted to the full Senate. During plenary, on Thursday, senators observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased toddler before adopting the recommendation that the NDLEA pay N200 million as compensation to the family for the loss and trauma suffered.