The family of 17-year-old Patience Simon, who was allegedly killed by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has conducted her funeral in Bauchi State amid ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Patience, who reportedly died on March 5, 2025, following an incident at Shago Tara in Ugongo Local Government Area of Kano State, was laid to rest on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Yelwan Kagadama in Bauchi State.
In an exclusive interview, the deceased’s mother, Mrs. Beauty Simon, confirmed that the burial had taken place with support from the NDLEA, which provided financial assistance of N330,000 and vehicles to facilitate the funeral arrangements.
READ ALSO: NDLEA Officials Allegedly Kill Kano Teenage Girl, Family Demands Justice
“We have laid my daughter to rest in Bauchi,” Mrs. Simon said, her voice heavy with emotion. “The NDLEA officials came to pay condolence and fulfilled their promise of supporting the burial with money and transportation.”
According to preliminary reports, Patience was allegedly caught in crossfire during an NDLEA operation targeting drug dealers in the area, though the exact circumstances remain disputed.
Two suspects have been apprehended by the police in connection with the case, though authorities have not clarified whether these individuals are NDLEA officials or others involved in the incident.
READ ALSO: NDLEA-Police Exchange Gunfire Over Alleged Drug Peddler’s Arrest
Grassroots Parrot reports that repeated attempts to get updated information from the NDLEA spokesperson in Kano, Sadiq Maigatari, were unsuccessful.
Maigatari did not respond to calls or messages, and was not available when reporters visited the Kano Command headquarters.
The case has sparked renewed debates about law enforcement tactics in drug operations and the protection of innocent bystanders, particularly in residential areas where such operations frequently occur.