Senate Directs NDLEA to Pay ₦200 Million Compensation to Family of Slain Toddler

By Iyojo Ameh

The Nigerian Senate has ordered the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to pay ₦200 million in compensation to the family of a two-year-old boy who was killed by a stray bullet during an agency operation in Delta State.

The decision came after the adoption of a report submitted by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imasuen. Presenting the report at Thursday’s plenary, Senator Imasuen disclosed that the NDLEA admitted its operatives were responsible for the shooting.

According to him, the fatal bullet pierced the roof of the family’s residence, fatally striking the toddler. One of the child’s siblings, who witnessed the incident, has reportedly suffered severe psychological trauma and now requires urgent medical and surgical intervention.

“The NDLEA did not deny the tragic incident. It admitted that its officers were responsible,” Senator Imasuen stated. “The bullet entered through the ceiling, killed the boy, and has left another sibling in a critical mental condition.”

He lamented the agency’s initial unwillingness to engage with the family or offer compensation, noting that it was only after persistent engagement by the Senate committee that the NDLEA agreed to offer restitution.

“They were not forthcoming at first,” Imasuen said. “We had to appeal to their conscience, asking them to imagine the child was theirs. Eventually, they agreed to pay ₦200 million to the grieving family.”

The senator acknowledged that no financial sum could ever replace the child’s life but emphasized that the compensation is a necessary gesture to aid the family in healing.

“This is not to suggest the amount equals the value of a life,” he said. “But it is some form of comfort and support for the parents who suffered this avoidable tragedy.”

Senator Imasuen also pointed out that under Senate Standing Order 40(6), the legislature cannot impose monetary fines or penalties directly. Consequently, the enforcement of the compensation directive will be handled by the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance.

Following a unanimous voice vote, the Senate adopted the committee’s recommendation, mandating the NDLEA to release the ₦200 million compensation to the affected family without delay.