Senate Demands ₦200m for Delta Toddler Killed by NDLEA

The Nigerian Senate has demanded that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) pay ₦200 million in compensation to the grieving family of two-year-old Ivan Omhonrina, who was tragically killed by a stray bullet during a botched NDLEA operation in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The resolution came on Thursday following the submission of a petition by Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

The toddler was returning home from school with his family on July 13, 2023, when he was fatally struck. His elder brother, Eromosele, was also hit suffering a severe eye injury that left him permanently affected.

Describing the incident as “preventable and heartbreaking,” lawmakers across party lines expressed outrage during plenary. The chamber observed a minute of silence in Ivan’s honour, as a show of solidarity with the family.

Presenting the petition, Senator Imasuen insisted the child’s death was not a case of 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,” Imasuen told his colleagues.

The Senate called on President Bola Tinubu to authorize the payment of the ₦200 million compensation as a humanitarian gesture, urging the NDLEA to take full responsibility for the incident.

To ensure accountability, the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance has been directed to follow up and report within two months.

Public outrage over Ivan’s death had earlier drawn condemnation from civil society groups, human rights advocates, and community leaders many of whom called for justice and systemic reform.

Speaking in an emotional interview, Ivan’s father recalled the boy’s excitement for an upcoming school event:

“Now, instead of preparing for his graduation, we are making funeral arrangements,” he said, fighting back tears.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, also reacted to the tragedy through his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, calling for an immediate investigation and for the NDLEA and Nigeria Police to bring those responsible to justice.

The NDLEA confirmed the shooting through its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, who stated that the agency was in contact with the family and had launched an internal probe.

Reacting to the national outrage, President Tinubu condemned the killing and promised justice, stating:

“I mourn the death of little Ivan Omhonrina and extend my deepest sympathies to his family. No child should lose their life in such a senseless manner.”

He further assured Nigerians that “those found culpable must be brought to justice,” stressing that such negligence will not be tolerated under his leadership.

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