Senate has called on the Federal Government to assist the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in paying a compensation of N200 million to the family of a two-year-old boy killed by a stray bullet fired by NDLEA operatives in Asaba, Delta State.
The Senate’s resolution followed the presentation of a report by the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conducts, and Public Petition, led by Senator Neda Imasuen. Imasuen described the case as “very pathetic,” noting that the family had been left to suffer after the tragic incident.
“NDLEA’s Lack of Cooperation”
Imasuen stated that despite the committee’s efforts to engage the NDLEA, the agency claimed it lacked the finances to offer compensation to the family. “NDLEA, unfortunately, were not cooperating… they told us they didn’t have the finances and so they have not offered anything,” he said.
The committee’s recommendation for compensation aims to ameliorate the huge loss suffered by the family. The Senate observed a minute silence for the child and urged the NDLEA to take care of all hospital bills for the multiple surgeries and treatment of the child with bullet wounds in his eyes.
“Justice for the Family”
Senators Garuba Maidoki and Benson Agada supported the payment of compensation to the family, with Agada emphasizing that the official involved in the act should face the law. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, noted that the NDLEA official responsible for the shooting was facing prosecution.
The Senate has tasked its Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor the entire process and ensure compliance with all resolutions on the matter.
