Father Appeals for Help to Save His Younger Son’s Eyesight After Tragic Incident

Mr Fidelis Omhonria, the father of two-year-old Ivan Omhonria who was tragically killed by a stray bullet from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), is now facing a distressing situation with his younger son’s eye being affected by the same incident.

In July 2023, Ivan lost his life to the NDLEA’s stray bullet, leaving behind his one-year-old sibling, Eromonsele Omhonria, who sustained a bullet injury in his eye. Despite efforts, Eromonsele’s eye condition is worsening due to delays in securing a US visa for his treatment.

Appealing for urgent intervention, Mr Omhonria called upon President Bola Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevweri, to take immediate action to save his son’s eyesight.

Expressing his anguish, Mr Omhonria shared, “It has been eight months and 13 days since the tragic incident. We laid my two-year-old son to rest, and now my other son, who is about a year and eight months old, is suffering without the promised attention. The glass fragments from the bullet have severely impacted his eye.”-

He continued, “The state government had initially pledged to cover the medical expenses and requested a breakdown of the costs incurred, which I provided. When the NDLEA Chairman visited us on November 2, 2023, he assured us of taking responsibility for the medical bills and flying the child to the US for treatment.”

“Despite assurances that the visa process for Eromonsele’s treatment would be expedited, there has been a prolonged delay. We faced setbacks with the US embassy, shifting visa appointments, and bureaucratic hurdles, leading to increased suffering for my son,” Mr Omhonria added.

Seeking empathy and assistance, Mr Omhonria pleaded, “My son’s health is deteriorating, and we are struggling with each passing day. I implore President Tinubu, Governor Oborevweri, and the NDLEA to intervene and support us during this unbearable time.”

In response to the situation, NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa and Delta State government, represented by Secretary to the State Government Dr. Kingsley Emu, have acknowledged the visa challenges and vowed to expedite the process for Eromonsele’s urgent medical care in the US.