By love-89.com In a heart-wrenching appeal for assistance, the family of two-year-old Eromonsele Omhonria, who was tragically shot in the eye by National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives in Delta State, is seeking help. Despite the critical nature of his injury, Eromonsele has not yet received any medical treatment, causing his family deep distress.
Eromonsele’s older brother, Ivan, who was also just two years old at the time, was killed during the incident when NDLEA officers were reportedly conducting a nearby raid on July 13, 2023. The children were unfortunate victims of stray bullets.
Yesterday, during a meeting with members of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, the children’s parents expressed feelings of abandonment by the NDLEA. This meeting marked the second hearing of a petition filed by the family.
In attendance were the children’s parents, their lawyer, and representatives from the NDLEA. Mr. Fidelis, the father of the children, revealed that the surviving child has been overlooked by the agency. Their lawyer, Barr. Mathew Edaghese, informed the committee that whenever little Eromonsele cries, blood mixes with his tears due to the injury.
Following the incident, the family was referred from a local Delta hospital to an eye specialist in Lagos, who then recommended further treatment in the United States. “Even the hospital suggested by the NDLEA pointed us to the same overseas facility, but since then we have felt abandoned by the agency,” the father explained. “As for the surviving child, we have taken it upon ourselves to arrange for his transportation to the recommended hospital in the U.S.”
Despite the urgency of the situation being communicated within the first week post-incident, the family claims no action has been taken by the NDLEA. They have faced repeated visa denials because the referrals were not officially sanctioned by the authority responsible for the incident. More than a year later, Eromonsele continues to suffer, and last week, a piece of glass fell from his eye. “If he cries now, blood will mix with his tears,” his father lamented.
Over a year has passed since the emergency intervention was advised, but the NDLEA has remained inactive, leaving the child’s health in jeopardy. “We are pleading with this body to facilitate the overseas treatment that has been recommended for this innocent child whose future is at serious risk,” the family stated.
As a response, the family is demanding N2 billion in compensation from the NDLEA. The Committee Chairman, Hon. Mike Etaba, emphasized that immediate medical attention for Eromonsele is essential. However, he deemed the demand for N2 billion unrealistic, suggesting that the NDLEA negotiate with the family and the committee to reach an agreeable settlement.
Additionally, the Chairman expressed disappointment that NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa did not attend the hearing personally. He extended an invitation to Marwa and the children’s parents for a meeting in his office on Thursday, October 24, at 10 a.m. to discuss the matter further. Theresa Asuquo, Director of Prosecution and Legal Services at the NDLEA, represented Marwa and agreed to the proposed terms.