Aniefiok Christopher
The Nigerian Senate has ordered an investigation into the death of a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Etimbuk Daniel, at the NYSC camp in Enugu State.
Daniel reportedly died at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Enugu State.
This was Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has mourned the tragic death of the former Students’ Union Government (SUG) President of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Comrade Etimbuk Daniel.
Anietie Ekong, a media aide to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the Senate’s decision to investigate the NYSC member’s death in a statement posted on Facebook on Thursday.
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The media aide said the Senate resolved to investigate Mr Daniel’s death following a motion of urgent public importance moved by Akwa Ibom North-East Senator Aniekan Bassey, calling for a review of medical services in NYSC camps nationwide.
He said the upper chamber resolved that the investigation would be carried out by the Senate Committees on Police Affairs, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, as well as Youth Development and Health.
Mr Ekong said the committees would carry out the probe in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Service.
He said the Senate would also investigate the state of health infrastructure in NYSC camps across the country.
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According to him, the Senators noted with concern the sudden, untimely death of the NYSC member, describing him as a vibrant, patriotic young Nigerian and a shining light in his community who had only set out to serve the country.
The media aide said the lawmakers equally expressed concern over reports that Mr Daniel died from complications arising from a “minor” headache after allegedly experiencing a delay in obtaining timely and adequate medical attention at the camp clinic.
He said the Senate further expressed worry that the incident was not isolated, but highlighted a recurring pattern of systemic negligence, poor medical infrastructure, and absence of qualified emergency personnel and rapid referral protocols across NYSC camps.
Meanwhile, Governor Eno, in a message of condolence released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, described the death of the young student leader as a painful and devastating loss, not only to his family but to the entire student community of Akwa Ibom State.
“I received with sadness the news of the tragic passing of Comrade Etimbuk Daniel, a promising young leader whose life was cut short while answering the call to serve our nation.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the leadership and members of the National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students (NAKISS), the entire student community of Akwa Ibom extraction across the world, and Students’ Union Government Presidents across our tertiary institutions.
“Our youths are our future, and losing such a brilliant young man, with a bright future ahead of him, is deeply painful. His passing represents a huge loss to our State and the student community he served with dedication.
“At this difficult moment, I pray that God Almighty grants his family, friends, colleagues and the entire student community the fortitude to bear this painful loss.
”May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
NANS President Mourns too
In a similar development, NANS President Akinteye Afeez, in a statement posted on Facebook on Sunday, said he received a report of Mr Daniel’s death with “a rude shock.”
Mr Afeez said the information available to the students’ indicated that the late Daniel complained of a headache and was administered some medication while at the NYSC camp.
“Unfortunately, his condition reportedly worsened after taking the drugs. He requested to be taken to the hospital, but the necessary approval allegedly came too late, and he passed away before he could be taken for medical attention,” he said.
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The NANS president continued: “We were further informed that the doctor later identified the drugs administered to him as fake.
“These are deeply troubling allegations that require a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding his tragic death.”
Mr Afeez stressed that the student community had now entered into mourning even as he condoled with the family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Akwa Ibom State University community over the loss.
