Senate wants NDLEA to pay N200m for slain Delta toddler

The Senate has called on President Bola Tinubu to approve the payment of N200m as compensation to the family of two-year-old Ivan Omhonrina, who was tragically killed by a stray bullet during a botched operation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Delta State.

The Senate made the call on Thursday, after considering a petition submitted by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Neda Imasuen,

The incident, which occurred on July 13, 2023, in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area, shocked the nation.

Ivan, who was returning home from school with his family, was fatally hit by a bullet.

His older brother, Eromosele, was also shot in the eye and left seriously injured.

Lawmakers across party lines expressed outrage, describing the child’s death as both preventable and heartbreaking.

The Senate chamber observed a minute of silence in Ivan’s memory as a mark of respect.

Senator Imasuen, who presented the petition, said the case was not merely an “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,” he told his colleagues during plenary.

The Senate urged the NDLEA to take full responsibility for the incident and called on President Tinubu to authorise the N200m compensation as a humanitarian gesture to the bereaved family.

To ensure the recommendation is implemented, the Senate directed its Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor the matter and report back within two months.

The death of Ivan sparked widespread condemnation from civil society groups, human rights advocates, and community leaders, all demanding justice.

Ivan’s grieving father, during an earlier interview, spoke of his son’s excitement for an upcoming graduation.

“Now, instead of preparing for his graduation, we are making funeral arrangements,” he lamented.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, also weighed in, demanding a probe of the shooting.

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, the governor urged both the NDLEA and Nigeria Police to fish out those responsible and ensure justice was served.

The NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, also confirmed the shooting.

He said the agency was already in contact with the family and had launched an investigation.

President Tinubu, visibly moved by the incident, condemned the killing and ordered a full inquiry.

In his condolence message, he said: “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 added that those found culpable must be brought to justice, assuring Nigerians that such incidents would not be tolerated under his administration.