Kehinde Fajobi
The National Assembly has decried the actions of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) after its operatives killed two-year-old Onosereba Omhonria and severely injured his one-year-old brother, Eromonsele, in Edo State.
Both the Senate and House Committees on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions expressed outrage, particularly over the NDLEA’s ₦25 million compensation offer.
Senator Neda Imaseun, chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee, described the offer as “callous,” questioning its adequacy for the tragic loss and the life-altering injury.
Imaseun, speaking at a hearing, said, “Can you for a minute wear the shoes of the parents? If I were the father of these children, would that be an acceptable offer?”
He added that no sum could compensate for the death of a child or the permanent damage inflicted on the surviving sibling.
The petition, filed by the victims’ family through their counsel, Matthew Edaghese & Co., narrated the tragic incident.
On July 13, 2023, the boys were at their mother’s shop when NDLEA operatives opened fire. Onosereba was struck in the abdomen and later died at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, despite five hours of intensive care.
Eromonsele, who was shot in the eye, remains in critical condition, with doctors uncertain whether he will regain his sight.
The family has demanded ₦2 billion in compensation, accusing the NDLEA of reckless and unprofessional conduct.
However, at a December 13, 2024, hearing, NDLEA representative Shadrach Haruna maintained the agency’s ₦25 million offer, citing his mandate.
Haruna also claimed the NDLEA had been supportive, a claim refuted by the victims’ father, Fidelis Omhonria.
According to Mr. Omhonria, the agency failed to assist in facilitating treatment abroad for Eromonsele’s injury.
“We have received no meaningful help from the NDLEA,” he said.
The Senate Ethics Committee resolved to work with the House to secure justice and adequate compensation for the family.
Imaseun emphasised that the committee would ensure the NDLEA re-evaluates its position to reflect the gravity of the incident.