Senate Urges Tinubu to Approve ₦200m Compensation for Family of Child Killed in NDLEA Raid
Senators are urging President Tinubu to approve ₦200 million for Ivan Omhonria’s grieving family.
The toddler was killed during an NDLEA raid; his brother now battles an eye injury from the attack.
The Nigerian Senate has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve a compensation package of ₦200 million for the family of two-year-old Ivan Omhonria, who was tragically shot and killed during a raid by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Asaba, Delta State.
The incident, which occurred during what was meant to be an anti-drug operation, left another victim one-year-old Eromonsele, Ivan’s younger brother with a serious eye injury. The Senate has also directed the NDLEA to cover all medical bills associated with the treatment and recovery of the surviving child.
During plenary on Thursday, members of the Senate expressed deep outrage over the conduct of the NDLEA officers involved. The lawmakers condemned what they described as a reckless and unprofessional use of force, adding that such incidents were becoming far too common among security agencies across the country.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imaseun, presented the committee’s findings on the incident and urged the chamber to take a strong stance. He emphasized the importance of accountability and justice, especially when innocent lives are lost due to the negligence or misconduct of state actors.
“The gravity of this case goes beyond compensation,” Imaseun stated. “This is about ensuring that Nigerian families can live in peace and safety without fear of those meant to protect them.”
Following the debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio ruled on the matter, referencing the Senate Standing Orders. He explained that while the Senate can deliberate on such issues and recommend action, it lacks the constitutional power to directly award compensation involving public funds without the express approval of the President.
“In accordance with our Standing Rules and constitutional mandate, any petition requesting grants or public money must be accompanied by presidential approval,” Akpabio said. “This appeal for compensation will be forwarded appropriately for the President’s consideration.”
The Senate’s resolution adds to the growing national conversation about the accountability of security operatives, with lawmakers urging a review of the operational protocols of agencies like the NDLEA to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
As the matter awaits the President’s response, the Senate restated its commitment to seeking justice and relief for families affected by avoidable violence from government agents.
