NDLEA Shooting: Parents Of Injured Toddler Express Anguish Over Lack Of Medical Attention

NDLEA Shooting: Parents Of Injured Toddler Express Anguish Over Lack Of Medical AttentionThe family of two-year-old Eromonsele Omhonria, who was shot in the eye by National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) officers in Delta State, has expressed their distress over a lack of medical treatment for the child since the incident. Tragically, Eromonsele’s elder brother, Ivan, was killed by gunfire during the same event.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The shooting occurred on July 13, 2024, while the NDLEA was conducting a raid nearby, resulting in stray bullets hitting the children. At the time, Ivan was two years old, and Eromonsele was just one.

During a session with the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, the children’s parents lamented their abandonment by the NDLEA. Present were the parents, their lawyer, and NDLEA representatives. Fidelis, the father, stated that the agency had neglected to assist Eromonsele following the incident.

Mathew Edaghese, the family’s lawyer, shared that every time Eromonsele cries, blood mixes with his tears, a grim indicator of his condition. After the shooting, local hospitals referred them to an eye specialist in Lagos, which in turn directed them to a facility in the United States.

The family noted that they have been trying to arrange for Eromonsele to be flown to the recommended hospital in the U.S. since the first week after the incident, yet the NDLEA has taken no action despite being informed. They have also struggled to secure a visa for Eromonsele.

In their petition, the family is seeking N2 billion in compensation from the NDLEA.

Committee Chairman Mike Etaba emphasized the urgency of providing immediate treatment for the child but expressed skepticism about the feasibility of the N2 billion claim. He urged the NDLEA to negotiate a settlement acceptable to all parties and voiced his disappointment that NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa did not attend the hearing.

Etaba invited both Marwa and the children’s parents to meet with the committee on Thursday, October 24, at 10 a.m. to discuss resolution options.

Theresa Asuquo, the NDLEA’s Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, who represented Marwa, acknowledged the committee’s request but noted that the matter is currently before the courts, which complicates the agency’s response. However, she was reminded that the ongoing investigation by the House is separate from the court proceedings concerning the officers involved.

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