Senate Orders NDLEA to Pay N200M for Toddler’s Death in Delta

The Senate has directed the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to compensate the family of a two-year-old boy, Ivan Onose Omhonrina, with ₦200 million after he was killed by a stray bullet during an agency raid in Delta State.

Ivan was hit in the abdomen by a bullet that pierced a nearby shop during an NDLEA operation on July 13, 2023, in Okpanam, Oshimili North. His younger brother, Eromonsele, also sustained injuries to the eye. Despite emergency treatment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ivan did not survive.

The matter was brought before the Senate by Delta North Senator Ned Nwoko, who submitted a petition on behalf of the grieving family. The case was thoroughly investigated by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imasuen.

During Thursday’s plenary, the Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased child and adopted the committee’s recommendation for financial redress.

The compensation is intended to address the pain, trauma, and long-term consequences suffered by the family due to what the Senate said as an avoidable tragedy