The Senate has called on President Bola Tinubu to, on compassionate grounds, assist the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in paying a ₦200 million compensation to the family of two-year-old Ivan Omhonrina, who was killed during an NDLEA operation in Asaba, Delta State.
This followed a petition submitted on Thursday by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Senator Neda Imaseun.
The tragic incident occurred on July 13, 2023, when NDLEA officers reportedly opened fire during a raid, fatally striking the toddler as he returned home from school.
The case had sparked public outrage and demands for justice from civil society groups as well as the victim’s family.
During plenary, the Senate condemned the killing and urged that the NDLEA take full responsibility by bearing the total cost of the compensation being demanded by the family.
Lawmakers stressed that such incidents must not go unaddressed, underscoring the need for accountability within law enforcement agencies.
In a mark of respect, the Senate observed a minute of silence in memory of the late Ivan.
Furthermore, the it directed its Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor the implementation of the resolution and report back to the chamber within two months.
The family of deceased had sought justice over the death of their son allegedly killed during a raid by the agency in the Okapanam Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Ivan’s brother, who was also injured during the incident, was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Narrating the incident, the grieving father of Ivan said his son was looking forward to his graduation ceremony in school before his life was cut short following the unfortunate incident.
He insisted that justice be served on the matter.
The state governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, had in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, called on the NDLEA and the police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the boy and injury to his brother, with a view to bringing the culprits to book and avoiding a future occurrence.
The NDLEA had also said it would get to the root of the case and take necessary action.
Source: Channels TV
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