Two Years After NDLEA Shooting, Senate Decries Delay in N200m Compensation

Tension is rising in the National Assembly as the Senate has expressed frustration over the failure to implement its resolution directing compensation and medical support for victims of a tragic shooting involving the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance, Senator Ede Omueya Dafinone (APC, Delta Central), on Tuesday raised the alarm during an interview with journalists shortly after the committee’s sitting, revealing that nearly two years after the incident, key directives issued by the Senate remain largely unimplemented.

The Senate had in July 2025 resolved that the Federal Government should pay N200 million as compensation to the family of a child who died in the accidental shooting.

Lawmakers also directed the NDLEA to provide funds for the medical treatment of another child whose eyes were severely damaged during the same incident.

However, Senator Dafinone said the implementation process has been slow and frustrating.

“We have not received accurate or satisfactory updates on the health condition of the injured child nearly two years after the incident,” he said.

“Our committee was specifically mandated to ensure that the Senate’s resolutions are carried out, including the payment of N200 million compensation and the provision of funds for the treatment of the child whose eyes were damaged.”

The senator disclosed that the committee had advised the NDLEA to approach the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to access funds from government accounts holding confiscated assets, which could legally be used to settle the compensation.

But according to him, the effort has so far produced no positive outcome.

“Unfortunately, we have not received any response from the Attorney General’s office,” he said.

“They were invited to our meeting but did not attend, and attempts by the NDLEA to reach them directly have also not produced any meaningful outcome.”

Beyond the delay in compensation, the committee expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the injured child whose eyesight was badly affected during the shooting.

While the NDLEA has reportedly offered an interim amount to the family to begin treatment, the family has insisted that the child be taken abroad for proper medical care.

Senator Dafinone described the situation as worrisome, warning that delaying treatment while waiting for overseas care could permanently damage the child’s sight.

“I cannot imagine parents sitting at home saying that if the NDLEA does not bring the full amount to take the child abroad, they will wait until he goes blind. That is simply not reasonable,” he said.

“What is important now is to begin treatment immediately to preserve the child’s sight.”

He urged the family to accept the interim funds and commence treatment locally, stressing that Nigeria has qualified medical professionals capable of providing initial care.

“I am not an eye specialist, but Nigeria has competent medical professionals and facilities capable of providing initial treatment,” he added.

“Rather than allow the child’s condition to deteriorate while waiting for funds to travel abroad, let treatment start here. If the money runs out, additional funding can then be requested.”

Dafinone also confirmed that the issue has been escalated to the leadership of the Senate, including the Senate President, who has been fully briefed on the matter.

He assured Nigerians that the National Assembly remains committed to ensuring that the Senate’s resolution is implemented and justice is served.

“There is a limit to what the committee alone can do, but the Senate President is fully aware of where we stand,” he said.

“I am confident that further action will be taken to ensure justice is served and that the young boy receives the treatment needed to save his sight.”

The incident has continued to spark outrage among civil society organisations and human rights advocates, who say the prolonged delay in implementing the Senate’s directive highlights deeper accountability concerns within government institutions.

For the bereaved family and the injured child, however, the issue remains a race against time to secure compensation, justice, and life-saving medical treatment.