Senate seeks N200m compensation for family of child ‘killed’ by NDLEA operatives

The senate is seeking N200 million in compensation for the family of a two-year-old boy allegedly killed by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during a raid in Asaba, Delta state.

Neda Imasuen, senator representing Edo south, spoke while presenting a report of the committee on ethics, code of conduct and public petitions during plenary on Thursday.

Imasuen said the petition was submitted by Matthew Edaghese, a lawyer, on behalf of Fidelis Omhonria, father of the victims.

According to the report, the incident occurred on 13 July, 2023, when NDLEA operatives allegedly opened fire, killing Onosereba Omhonria, a two-year-old, and injuring his younger sibling, Eromonsele Omhonria, in the eye.

Imasuen said the committee had established the facts of the case and determined that the family had suffered severe trauma, both from the death of the child and the lasting injury to the survivor.

“The Senate do receive and consider the reports of the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions in respect of: petition from Mr. Matthew Edaghese Esq. on behalf of Mr. Fidelis Omhonria against the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for the murder of a two-year-old Onosereba Omhonria and the shooting in the eye of his younger one, Eromonsele Omhonria, by men of the NDLEA on 13 July, 2023, in Asaba,” the report reads.

Lawmakers observed a one-minute silence in honour of the deceased and urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the NDLEA to pay N200 million in compensation to the family.

The Senate also mandated its committee on legislative compliance to oversee the implementation of the compensation and the ongoing medical care of the surviving child. The committee is expected to submit a progress report within two months.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the incident as “tragic” and deeply concerning, adding that the senate stands in solidarity with the family.

“On behalf of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we condole with the family of the deceased child, which is also the family of the second child,” Akpabio said.

“We pray God restores the sight of the second child that has been damaged. And we will follow up.

“Individually, we should also try to know the family, so that we can render assistance on our own personal capacity. The people should connect to this family. We express our condolence.”