Asaba, Delta State – Nearly two years after operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) allegedly killed two-year-old Ivan Omorhiakogbe and injured his one-year-old brother, Eromonsele Omorhiakogbe, justice remains elusive for the grieving family.
The incident occurred on July 13, 2023, during a drug raid in the Okpanam area of Delta State, where stray bullets fired by NDLEA operatives reportedly struck the two siblings at their mother’s shop. Ivan died on the spot, while Eromonsele sustained a gunshot wound to his left eye.
By November 5, 2023, the Delta State Government and NDLEA announced plans to fly Eromonsele to the United States for urgent eye treatment. However, 21 months later, neither the treatment abroad nor financial compensation has materialized.
NDLEA’s N20 Million Compensation Offer Rejected
Speaking on the matter, Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, described the N20 million compensation offer by the NDLEA as “unacceptable.”
“We are working to extract the N100 million compensation directly from NDLEA’s budget,” Imasuen stated during a media chat in Edo State. “The agency admitted fault, yet only offered N20 million for the death of a two-year-old and the blinding of a one-year-old. That is grossly inadequate.”
The Senator emphasized that the committee would not rest until fair compensation is ensured, adding, “Only God knows what these children could have grown up to become. This cannot be swept under the carpet.”
Family Demands N2 Billion Compensation
The family, through their legal counsel, Barr. Mathew Edaghede, is demanding N2 billion in compensation. Speaking before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, Edaghede argued that the trauma, loss, and future medical needs justify the amount.
“A life was cut short, and another destiny damaged due to negligence,” the lawyer said. “The child still needs urgent medical attention abroad, which has been unnecessarily delayed.”
Unfulfilled Promises and Delayed Treatment
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had previously assured the family that plans were in motion to facilitate Eromonsele’s treatment in the United States, including providing a letter for visa processing. NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) also pledged to fast-track the travel and treatment arrangements.
Despite these promises, no progress has been made as of the time of filing this report.
The incident, while not deterring the Delta State Government’s commitment to combating drug trafficking, has left a deep scar on the affected family and raised national concerns about accountability in security operations.
