The Nigerian Senate on Thursday observed a one-minute silence in honour of a two-year-old child, Onosereba Omhonria, who was allegedly killed by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during a raid in Asaba, Delta State, on July 13, 2023.
The petition was brought by Senator Neda Imasuen (Edo South), who submitted the findings of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions.
The petition, originally filed by human rights lawyer Matthew Edaghese on behalf of the children’s father, Fidelis Omhonria, also detailed how the younger sibling, Eromonsele Omhonria, suffered a serious eye injury from a stray bullet during the same incident.
Reading the report, Senator Imasuen said, “The Senate is to receive and consider the report on the petition from Mr. Matthew Edaghese Esq. on behalf of Mr. Fidelis Omhonria against the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for the murder of two-year-old Onosereba Omhonria and the shooting of his younger sibling, Eromonsele, by NDLEA personnel in Asaba.”
The Senate unanimously adopted three resolutions: “A one-minute silence was observed in memory of Onosereba Omhonria.
“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was urged to mandate the NDLEA to pay ₦200 million in compensation to the bereaved family for the death and injury sustained.
“Call on the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance was tasked with monitoring the compensation process, as well as the medical treatment and possible surgery for the injured child, with a report expected within two months.”
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the incident as “very pathetic”, conveying the heartfelt condolences of the 10th Senate.
“On behalf of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we condole with the family of the deceased child, and we pray God restores the sight of the second child,” Akpabio said.
He further urged senators to connect with the family and offer support in their personal capacities, stressing the importance of compassion and solidarity in moments of national grief.
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