Three years after a tragic shooting incident involving operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Asaba, Delta State, which claimed the life of a two-year-old boy and left his younger brother with severe eye injuries, the grieving family has renewed their urgent call for justice, government intervention, and medical support.

The catastrophic event occurred during an NDLEA operation near the family’s shop, where operatives traveling in a convoy of three vehicles continued firing in the area before departing after the children had been struck.

When the children’s father, Fidelis Omhonria, confronted the operatives to demand an explanation, one of them allegedly threatened to shoot him and demanded his mobile phone before the officers departed.

Reflecting on the painful milestone, Fidelis Omhonria stated, “July 13th, 2026, made it exactly three years since NDLEA killed our two-year-old son, Onose Ivan Omhonria, and left our second son, Eromonsele Omhonria, badly injured in his eye, affecting his vision”.

He further detailed the toll the tragedy has taken on the household.

“Our family has gone through an extremely painful journey. Since that day, we have carried the pain of losing one child while fighting to save our surviving son. The emotional, physical, and financial challenges have been overwhelming.” He noted.

Despite previous legislative attention including a recommendation by the Senate, acting on a petition presented by Senator Ned Nwoko, that President Bola Tinubu approve compensation the family states that tangible assistance has yet to materialize.

Omhonria added, “For the past three years, we have continued to hope that the government of Nigeria would do the needful. Sadly, we are still waiting for help that could restore our son’s sight. It has been back and forth on this case before the National Assembly for three years now. Till today, justice has not been served, and no funds have been released for Eromonsele’s surgeries and medical treatment”.

The family through it’s legal representation has formally urged lawmakers to ensure that those responsible face accountability. Through their petition, they are pressing the upper legislative chamber to take decisive action.

“We are by this petition calling on the Nigerian Senate to order a probe into this case and ensure that justice is served. The killing of that beautiful, innocent soul of Onosereba and the brutal shooting in the eye of his younger brother, Eromonsele, must not be without consequence and recompense,” the family pleaded.

Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is the federal law enforcement body in Nigeria established by Decree Number 48 of 1989 (now an Act of the National Assembly). Its primary statutory mandate is to eliminate the growing cultivation, processing, manufacturing, exporting, selling, trafficking, and use of hard drugs and psychotropic substances across the country.

While the agency plays a crucial role in curbing illicit drug syndicates and maintaining public safety, incidents involving accidental discharges or aggressive enforcement actions during operations have periodically drawn intense public scrutiny and condemnation regarding operational safety protocols.

As the Omhonria family continues to shoulder the immense financial and emotional burden of Eromonsele’s ongoing medical treatments, all eyes remain on the National Assembly and relevant authorities to deliver a lasting resolution. (The Guardian)

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