Killing of 2yr- Old : Senate urges Tinubu to help NDLEA pay N200M compensation

By Tunde Opalana

In an emotion filled atmosphere, the Senate at plenary on Thursday pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to as a matter of urgency help the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency , NDLEA pay a sum.of N200 million as compensation to the family of Mr. Fidelis Omhonria whose two year old son, Onoseteba was killed by gunshot fired by an operative of the drug enforcement agency.

The incident happened during an agency operation by operatives of the agancy.

The Senate also ordered that the NDLEA bear the full medical bill of surgery to remove gun bullet lodged in one of the eyes of Eromosele, a brother of the slain two year old.

The lawmakers observed a minute silence in honour of the late Onosereba.

These decisions followed the deliberation on a report of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petition on a petition by Mr. Mathew Edogbese Esq on behalf of Mr. Fidelis Omhonria against NDLEA “for the murder of a two year old Onosereba and the shooting in the eyes of his younger brother , Eromosele Omhonria by men of the NDLEA on 13th July 2023 in Asaba, Delta State”.

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In the report presented by the committee chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen (Edo South), it was recommended that the NDLEA pay a compensation in the sum of N200 million to the bereaved family.

It was the Senate President that raised the issue of possibility of payment of the fine in due course by a fully funded government agency like the NDLEA.

Akpabio argued that “NDLEA is a 100 percent government owned . To pay such amount would need the consent of the President because it was not captured in the current budget of the agency.

The Senate President, therefore asked the committee to redirect the prayers to seek the. Intervention of President Tinubu for the family to get the compensation in due course.

Senators Adams Oshiomhole, Benson Agadaga and Musa Maidoki condemned the unprofessional attitude of some uniformed men of the Nigerian armed forces in handling firearms.

They recommended a stronger punishment for the killer officer but Akpabio assured that the officer is current on trial for possibly manslaughter.

In the report,the chairman, Senator Imasuen said the ugly incident happened when on the fateful day, bullets from gunshots fired by the NDLEA operatives pierced the roof of the family’s residence, striking the toddler. One of the child’s siblings, who witnessed the incident, has reportedly suffered severe psychological trauma and now requires urgent medical and surgical intervention.

“The NDLEA did not deny the tragic incident. It admitted that its officers were responsible,” Senator Imasuen stated. “The bullet entered through the ceiling, killed the boy, and has left another sibling in a critical mental condition.”

According to the report, “the agency’s initial unwillingness to engage with the family or offer compensation, noting that it was only after persistent engagement by the Senate committee that the NDLEA agreed to offer restitution.

“They were not forthcoming at first,” Imasuen said. “We had to appeal to their conscience, asking them to imagine the child was theirs. Eventually, they agreed to pay ₦200 million to the grieving family.”

Imasuen lamented that it is unfortunate that no financial sum could ever replace the child’s life but emphasized that the compensation is a necessary gesture to aid the family in healing.

“This is not to suggest the amount equals the value of a life,” he said. “But it is some form of comfort and support for the parents who suffered this avoidable tragedy.”

Senator Imasuen also pointed out that under Senate Standing Order 40(6), the legislature cannot impose monetary fines or penalties directly. Consequently, the enforcement of the compensation directive will be handled by the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance.

The Senate president then ordered that the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance monitor the development to ensure the money was paid by the presidency and the NDLEA bear the full medical cost of surgery.