The parents of two-year-old Ivan Omhonria, who was killed, and his younger brother Eromonsele, who was injured in the eye, are demanding N2 billion in compensation from the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The children were victims of a stray bullet fired by NDLEA operatives during a raid in the Okpanam area of Asaba, Delta State, on July 13, 2023.
Ivan was shot while Eromonsele sustained a serious eye injury as they visited their mother’s shop after returning from school. The children’s father, Fidelis Omhonria, expressed frustration that the agency had abandoned his family since the incident, and his surviving son’s health has worsened due to inadequate medical care.
On Wednesday, the couple appeared before the House Committee on Public Petitions, where they denied claims that they had agreed to a N25 million compensation from the NDLEA.
During the hearing, NDLEA’s lawyer, Muniat Adeleye, said the agency had agreed to a N25 million compensation package, with N5 million already sent to the family as the first of five installments. However, Adeleye admitted that no formal agreement had been signed, which the committee found unacceptable. The committee insisted that NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.) must appear in person at the next hearing.
Fidelis refuted the claim of an agreement, explaining that the NDLEA chairman had personally sent N5 million as a token for medical expenses but had never mentioned a formal settlement.
Fidelis’ lawyer, Mathew Edaghese, said that the family initially requested N2 billion in compensation but received no response. He criticised the NDLEA for avoiding responsibility, stating, “A life was lost, and another child’s future is being damaged due to this injury.”
The House Committee Chairman, Mike Etaba, assured the family that justice would be served. He stressed the seriousness of the case and called for NDLEA’s leadership to take full accountability. He reiterated that the next hearing, scheduled for October 22, 2024, would require the NDLEA chairman’s presence.