Senate Recommends ₦200 Million Compensation for Family of Toddler Killed by NDLEA in Delta State

Written by Okafor Joseph Afam | Published July 11, 2025

The Nigerian Senate has recommended a ₦200 million compensation for the family of a 2-year-old boy, Ivan Onosereba Omhonria, who was tragically killed by a stray bullet during a National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) raid in Delta State.

The incident occurred on July 13, 2023, when NDLEA operatives stormed a suspected drug den in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area. During the raid, a stray bullet fatally struck little Ivan in the abdomen while he was at his mother’s shop. His younger brother, Eromonsele, also sustained an eye injury after the bullet grazed him.

Following the tragic event, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, submitted a petition on behalf of the bereaved family in July 2023. The petition was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen.

During the plenary session on Thursday, July 11, 2025, Senator Imasuen presented the findings of the committee. He disclosed that all involved parties were invited for questioning. The NDLEA, however, claimed it lacked the financial capacity to fund Eromonsele’s medical treatment abroad.

In its final recommendations, the committee urged the NDLEA to take full financial responsibility for Eromonsele’s overseas treatment to restore his sight. It also called on the federal government to approve a ₦200 million compensation to the family of the deceased child through presidential intervention.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, condemned the tragic incident and put the committee’s recommendations to a voice vote, which received unanimous backing from lawmakers.

This latest development has reignited public concern over the accountability of security agencies in Nigeria and the urgent need for reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future