Senate backs N200m compensation for family of 2-year-old killed by NDLEA bullet
The Nigerian Senate has thrown its weight behind the demand by the family of a two-year-old boy, Ivan Omhonrima, who was killed by a stray bullet reportedly fired by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during a raid in Delta State.
At its plenary on Thursday, July 10, 2025, the Senate unanimously called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the NDLEA to pay N200 million in compensation to the grieving family. The lawmakers also urged the agency to bring the officers responsible for the shooting to book.
Little Ivan was fatally struck by a stray bullet on July 13, 2023, while returning from school with his brother in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area.
The incident occurred during an NDLEA operation in the area. Both boys were hit while Ivan lost his life, his brother sustained life-threatening injuries.
The tragedy went viral, but over a year later, the family said it has received no compensation or justice from the NDLEA.
On Thursday, Senator Neda Imaseun, chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, presented a petition from the family seeking justice. The petition described the devastating impact of the shooting, noting that Ivan had been preparing for his pre-nursery graduation at the time of his death.
The Senate observed a minute of silence in Ivan’s memory and condemned the lack of accountability over the incident.
Lawmakers stressed that such tragedies must not be swept under the carpet, urging the NDLEA to take full responsibility.
In its resolution, the Senate urged the President to direct that the compensation be paid without delay, and mandated its Committee on Legislative Compliance to track progress on the matter and report back within two months.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, through his media aide, Festus Ahon, also joined the call for justice. He urged the NDLEA to ensure that all officers involved in the operation are arrested and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.
Responding to the renewed calls, the NDLEA reiterated its commitment to investigating the case thoroughly and reassured the victim’s family and the public that justice would be served (The Guardian)
